LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock Athletics has begun a new chapter in its storied volleyball tradition, announcing the hiring of Aubrey Becker as the Trojans' next head coach.
Becker arrives at Little Rock with more than a decade of experience coaching at college volleyball's premier programs. She inherits a foundation established by Hall of Famer
Van Compton, whose remarkable 38-year tenure elevated the Trojans into one of the nation's most respected volleyball programs.
The highly competitive national search drew more than 100 applicants, including sitting Division I head coaches and elite assistants from Power Conference programs across collegiate, professional, and international volleyball — a response that underscored both the stature of Little Rock Volleyball and the opportunity ahead.
"We are thrilled to welcome Aubrey Becker as the new head coach of Trojan Volleyball," said Little Rock Director of Athletics
Frank M. Cuervo. "Aubrey brings an impressive combination of competitive success, player development, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build a championship-caliber program. Her energy, vision, and commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the court align perfectly with the values of Trojan Athletics. We are excited for the future of our volleyball program and cannot wait to see the impact Coach Becker will make on our campus and community."
Becker arrives in Little Rock following two seasons at West Virginia, a member of the Big 12 Conference, where she helped lead the Mountaineers at the highest competitive level in women's collegiate volleyball. She previously spent two years at Iowa, contributing to all facets of the Big Ten program, including player development, scouting and match planning, recruiting, scheduling, branding efforts, and summer programming.
"It is an honor to follow Coach Compton and step into a program with such a rich tradition," Becker said. "There are big shoes to fill, and that's not something I take lightly. It's really special and exciting to come to a program at this level and in this state. I hope to take it to new heights and elevate it. There's a great future ahead for Trojan Volleyball.
"I'm grateful to UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale, Director of Athletics Frank Cuervo, and the search committee for their belief in my vision. I can't wait to get to work with our student-athletes and staff."
Becker's resume also includes roles at Oral Roberts and Davidson, where she served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator and mentored multiple all-conference and postseason honorees. She also spent a season at Brown University, where the Bears achieved their best finish since 2014 and earned multiple All-Ivy League selections.
She began her collegiate coaching career at Florida State, serving as director of volleyball operations during an era that included two NCAA Tournament appearances and a Sweet Sixteen run in 2016.
"We are going to be a really passionate team that competes hard," Becker said. "You can see it, feel it, and our culture doesn't just stay on paper — it's something tangible our fans can engage with. We will play with passion and compete every night."
The Natural State native spent the majority of her upbringing in Springdale, playing in a volleyball state championship game for Har-Ber High School as a sophomore before finishing high school in Owasso, Okla.
She graduated magna cum laude from Austin Peay State University with a degree in communications and public relations and later earned a master's degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University Irvine.
An accomplished student-athlete, Becker was a three-year starter for the Governors at setter and opposite, earning two all-tournament selections and 2015 team MVP honors. She still ranks seventh in career assists and 16th in total blocks in program history.
Becker will relocate to Little Rock with her husband, Mike, and their nine-month-old daughter, Nora.
With a proven leader on the sideline, a championship legacy behind her, and a clear vision ahead, Little Rock Volleyball enters its next era with momentum and purpose.
