(Tempe, AZ) Ellen Andrews has been promoted to associate head coach for Sun Devil Volleyball after two seasons as an assistant coach for two of the most successful seasons in program history.
Andrews has been an assistant coach for head coach JJ Van Niel for two seasons, who recently signed an extension through 2029. She helped the program notch a 58-10 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances with three wins. In 2025, she helped the team win its first conference title in program history, becoming the 2025 Big 12 Champion in the first season in the conference. While she has been on the staff, there have been seven All-America honors.
“Ellen has been instrumental in the growth and success of Sun Devil Volleyball over the past two years, and I’m thrilled to promote her to Associate Head Coach,” Van Niel said. “This recognition reflects the invaluable role she plays in every aspect of our program. She’s a tireless worker, an outstanding recruiter, and has an incredible ability to connect with our players, staff, and the entire athletic department. Ellen is exceptional in helping lead this program, and her presence on and off the court makes a lasting impact. I truly can’t imagine Sun Devil Volleyball without her by my side.”
Her first season was in 2023, ASU went 28-7, including a 14-6 record in the last season in the Pac-12 to tie for third. She helped the team reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015. The squad went on to win two matches for the first time in team history. The Sun Devils finished the year at No. 16 in the rankings, the first time finishing a season ranked since 2014 and the highest final ranking since 1995.
The 2024 season saw Arizona State win its first conference championship in team history in the first season in the Big 12. Arizona State finished the season with a 30-3 record, going 17-1 in Big 12 play. The Sun Devils, who earned a No. 3 seed and hosted the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, advanced to the second round, the second-straight year doing so. The 30 wins on the year are the most this century and one from the most all-time (31 in 1982). In the rankings, ASU was in the top 20 for the entirety of the season, ending at No. 13, second year in a row finishing in the top 20.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Kimberlie Haner
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