Former Penn State women’s volleyball middle hitter Arielle Wilson has been named the head coach at Central Michigan, the program announced Monday. Wilson played for the Nittany Lions from 2007 to 2010 and won four national titles, was a three-time AVCA All-American, a three-time First Team All-Big Ten honoree, and the 2007 Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

Wilson was also a member of the Penn State teams that won 109 matches in a row and served as a team captain. She left Penn State as the program’s record holder in career hitting percentage (.468).

“We are excited to have Arielle Wilson coming to Central Michigan University to lead our women’s volleyball program,” Central Michigan Director of Athletics Amy Folan said in a statement. “Her national experience and success combined with her personal relationships and genuine care for others makes her the perfect fit for our program that is competing at the top of the MAC. She has seen success at all levels and I have no doubt that she will bring all of that here to our community and continue that tradition in Mount Pleasant.”

After graduating from Penn State, Wilson was a member of the USA Women’s National Team in 2013 and played professionally for six seasons. After her professional career ended, Wilson served as an assistant coach at DePaul, Michigan State, Georgia Tech, and Mizzou. Most recently, she helped guide the Tigers to NCAA Tournament third round appearance in 2024.

“I cannot thank Amy Folan, Tangela Cheatham, and CMU President Dr. Neil MacKinnon enough for this amazing opportunity to be the next head coach at Central Michigan University,” Wilson said in a statement. “I am Fired Up about the opportunity to lead exceptional student-athletes who will leave this program to be exceptional women in the world and I am very excited and grateful to be put in a position to give back to this amazing sport while empowering and caring for the young ladies currently in this program and those who will be the future of this amazing program.”

Wilson will be introduced as Central Michigan’s head coach in a “Welcome to CMU event” event at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14. The event is open to the public and will be streamed on www.cmuchippewas.com.