GREENSBORO, N.C. – Felicia Turner has stepped down as head coach of the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) volleyball team, effective . Turner accepted a position as offensive coordinator for Vanderbilt volleyball, bringing an end to her three-year tenure with the Spartans.
Assistant Coach Trent Dunahoo has been named Interim Head Coach, assuming leadership of the program as the search for a permanent replacement begins. Dunahoo joined the UNCG program in January 2023, having previously served as the assistant beach volleyball coach for the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB).
UNCG Director of Athletics Brian Mackin expressed gratitude for Turner’s contributions, stating, “We are thankful for Felicia’s leadership over the past three seasons. Her dedication to our student-athletes and passion for the game helped improve them on and off the court. We are excited to see her take this next step and wish her and her family continued success in this next opportunity.”
Turner arrived at UNCG in December 2022, bringing with her six years of experience with the Georgia Bulldogs, including three seasons as associate head coach. Her impact on the Spartan program was immediately felt, culminating in a successful 2025 season that marked a significant turning point for the team.
The 2025 campaign saw UNCG achieve a 17-12 overall record and a 9-7 mark in the Southern Conference (SoCon). This represented the program’s first winning season since 2021, signaling a clear upward trajectory under Turner’s guidance. The Spartans secured the fifth seed in the 2025 SoCon Tournament, and notably, secured their first SoCon Quarterfinal victory since 2017 with a 3-1 win over No. 4 Chattanooga.
Beyond the team’s overall success, Turner fostered individual excellence within the program. During her three seasons, nine SoCon Player of the Week accolades were earned by UNCG players, and five student-athletes received All-SoCon selections. A particularly bright spot was the emergence of sophomore Allie Sweet, who was named the 2024 SoCon Freshman of the Year under Turner’s tutelage.
Turner’s coaching philosophy clearly resonated with her players, creating a positive and competitive environment. Her ability to connect with student-athletes on and off the court was a key factor in the program’s recent improvements. The team’s success wasn’t solely measured in wins and losses, but also in the development of its players as both athletes, and individuals.
“I’m incredibly grateful for my time at UNCG,” Turner stated. “This program and this group of student-athletes have had a huge impact on my life and on my family’s as well. I am truly thankful for the athletic department, community, and teams I’ve had the privilege to be a part of or collaborate with. I wish UNCG continued success and nothing but the very best moving forward.”
The transition to Dunahoo as Interim Head Coach will be closely watched. While the program has demonstrated significant progress under Turner, maintaining that momentum will be a key challenge. Dunahoo’s prior experience as an assistant coach, combined with his familiarity with the UNCG program, positions him to provide stability during this period of change.
The search for a permanent head coach will likely focus on candidates who can build upon the foundation laid by Turner – a program that is now demonstrably competitive within the SoCon and poised for continued growth. The success of the 2025 season, and the individual accolades earned by players like Allie Sweet, will undoubtedly serve as attractive selling points for potential candidates.
Turner’s departure marks the end of a chapter for UNCG volleyball, but the program appears well-positioned to navigate the transition and continue its ascent within the Southern Conference. The impact of her leadership will be felt for years to come, both by the student-athletes she coached and by the program she helped elevate.
