Catawba College Women's Volleyball

A lifelong student of volleyball and an experienced athlete in his own right, Brian brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new role at Catawba College. He was the first student-athlete committed to the men's volleyball program at his alma mater, Queens University of Charlotte, where he earned a Bachelors degree in Communication with a minor in Business. While at Queens, Brian played in over 40 matches and participated in prestigious tournaments such as the 2020 Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Invitational in Honolulu, HI.  Growing up, Brian honed his skills in both indoor & beach volleyball while living in various parts of Europe and Southeast Asia for over six years. During his high school years, he was a key player in earning his team three Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools (IASAS)  medals, including two gold. While residing in Singapore, the sandy courts of Sentosa Island became his second home. Competing in numerous beach volleyball tournaments on the shores of Sentosa, Brian expanded his understanding of the game, bringing a fresh perspective to his volleyball repertoire. In 2020, Brian joined Academy Volleyball Cleveland (AVC), serving as the national team coach for the 17's and 18's teams. His duties included providing comprehensive training and strategic guidance, contributing to the success of these teams. In January 2023, Brian expanded his professional portfolio by accepting the position of assistant general manager at Cleveland Kong, a Tier II team competing in the Volleyball League of America (VLA). In this role, Brian was tasked with critical volleyball operations and the business development of the organization, reinforcing the team's competitiveness in the VLA. His combined experiences at AVC and Cleveland Kong demonstrate his commitment to professional growth and his proficiency in various aspects of the sport, from coaching to management.

Brenn Larson Ferguson will begin her fourth season as the Head Womens Volleyball Coach at Catawba College in the fall of 2023. In her first season in Salisbury, Ferguson led Catawba to an eight-win season, highlighted by a five-set win over regionally ranked Anderson on Nov. 1. Under her direction, the 2023 Beach Volleyball team delivered a 15-win season, up from the two wins the year before. During the year, Christina Knotts and Raytchelle Miranda were ranked 8th nationally and coach Conrad Hill was recognized as an AVCA 30 under 30 Coach.   Larson Ferguson was named Head Womens Volleyball Coach and Director of Volleyball in March of 2022, becoming the sixth head coach in program history. Prior to Catawba, Larson Ferguson spent three years as the head coach at Carolina University. With the Bruins, Larson Ferguson established a culture of success, reaching three consecutive Regional Finals, winning the Southern Regional Championship title and competing in the NCCAA National Championship Tournament Elite 8.  In addition to the programs national success and wins over NCAA Division 2 and 3 programs, she helped develop 3 NCCAA All-Americans, 4 NCCAA All-Region Players and 6 NCCAA Scholar Athletes and was named NCCAA Southern Region Coach of the Year in 2019.  Ferguson played collegiately at Washington State University and UCLA. At Washington State, she was the starting setter for the Cougars, helping lead her team to an Elite 8 appearance. She earned Pac-10 All-Freshman honors, was selected for multiple All-tournament teams, and in 2003, was named team co-captain. During her freshman season, Brenn averaged 12.35 assists per game, the third-best in the Pac-10. She recorded 1383 assists, which put her sixth on WSU's career list and seventh on the single-season assists list and scored the second highest hitting percentage on the team with .253. Continuing her career at UCLA, the Bruins saw an Elite 8 finish in 2004 and a Sweet 16 appearance in 2005. Brenn graduated from UCLA with a degree in History and is working on completing her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University.  A Southern California native, Ferguson found success at the high school level where she was a four year Varsity letter winner at Westlake High School. A three-year team captain, Ferguson led the Warriors to two Marmonte League championships and CIF semifinals, becoming a two-time team MVP and league MVP, as well as All-CIF Southern Section Division II team and Ventura County High School Player of the Year honors.  Ferguson began her coaching career at Southern California Volleyball Club where she coached 12-18 year olds for six years and became the Girls High School and Junior High program director and served as the clubs Recruiting Coordinator. In 2021-22 she coached at Carolina Union Volleyball Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she led her team to top-three finishes at Sunshine Classic Girls National Qualifier and NEQ Volleyball Northeast Qualifier.   Brenn is married to Bill Ferguson, and they have two daughters, Blake (13) and Emery (5).