Hocking College Tabs Alayna Groover as New Volleyball Coach

Nelsonville, Ohio — April 22, 2026 — Hocking College has announced the hiring of Alayna Groover as the new head coach of its volleyball program, bringing in a motivated and emerging leader with a strong background in athlete development and coaching experience across multiple levels.

Groover most recently spent the 2025–26 season working with Surge Volleyball Club, where she continued to grow her coaching skillset and develop student-athletes in a competitive club environment. She also served as an assistant coach at St. Joseph Central Catholic High School from 2022 to 2025, contributing to the program's growth while mentoring players on and off the court.

In addition to her formal coaching roles, Groover has dedicated significant time to volunteering and pursuing professional development opportunities, gaining experience in a variety of settings that have helped shape her approach to coaching and leadership.

"We are excited that Alayna has taken on the challenge of bringing excitement and enthusiasm to our volleyball program," said Jarrod Tudor, Executive VP and Athletic Director at Hocking College. "We are committed to building a successful volleyball program and believe Coach Groover is the right person to lead us forward."

Groover also gained valuable collegiate experience during the 2023–24 academic year as an intern at Tiffin University, where she worked with both the volleyball and basketball teams. Her responsibilities included assisting with practices, game preparation, and daily operations, providing a well-rounded foundation in collegiate athletics.

Groover holds a Master of Business Administration in Sports Management from Tiffin University (2024) and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Toledo.

She will begin her role immediately and is eager to lead the Hawks into a new era.

"This season is about setting the tone—bringing intensity, passion, and pride to everything we do," Groover said. "I'm beyond excited to be at Hocking College and ready to build something special with this team."

As head coach, Groover will oversee all aspects of the volleyball program, including recruiting, player development, and competition strategy, while fostering a culture of academic and athletic success.