USC Upstate Alum Morgan Thomas Named to AVCA Board of Directors
5/14/2026 4:15:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
USC Upstate volleyball alum Morgan Thomas has been added to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)Board of Directors, continuing a standout volleyball journey that began as one of the most decorated student-athletes in Spartan program history.
Thomas, currently the associate women's volleyball coach and recruiting coordinator at Texas Christian University (TCU), will serve as the AVCA Board's Assistant Coaches Representative. She was appointed to replace Jill Wilson, who resigned effective April 20, 2026, after accepting an athletic administration role at UNC Asheville. With Wilson in the middle of a three-year term, Thomas will serve through the end of 2028.
"Morgan was a tremendous student-athlete during her time at Upstate," said Ali Skayhan. "She made the most of her experience as a Spartan and used it to prepare herself for success at the next level and she believes in growing our sport. Her journey is a powerful example of what women in sports can achieve, and we are incredibly proud to see her continue making an impact on the game, giving back to the volleyball community, and inspiring young women everywhere!"
Thomas was a four-year starter for USC Upstate from 2008 to 2011 and a standout middle blocker for the Spartans. She set numerous school records during her career, including career kills (1,049) and career blocks (315). A former team captain, Thomas also became the first All-Atlantic Sun Conference selection in program history in 2011.
Off the court in Spartanburg, Thomas was highly involved across campus and within the athletics department. She served as a marketing intern for USC Upstate Athletics, was a member of the Executive Board for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and helped incoming students transition to college as a University 101 Peer Leader.
Thomas has continued that impact throughout her coaching career. The 2025 season marked her fourth at TCU, where the Horned Frogs again advanced to the NCAA Tournament. TCU has reached the NCAA postseason in all four of Thomas' seasons in Fort Worth, an unmatched streak in program history.
She was also an integral part of TCU's record-breaking 2024 season, which included the program's first-ever AVCA Poll ranking and its first AVCA First-Team All-American. Over the past two seasons, Thomas has helped TCU defeat 10 ranked opponents, including a program-record six wins over ranked teams in 2025.
Effective immediately, Thomas joins the other 16 members of the AVCA Board, which includes a blend of elected representatives and appointed members.
Thomas, currently the associate women's volleyball coach and recruiting coordinator at Texas Christian University (TCU), will serve as the AVCA Board's Assistant Coaches Representative. She was appointed to replace Jill Wilson, who resigned effective April 20, 2026, after accepting an athletic administration role at UNC Asheville. With Wilson in the middle of a three-year term, Thomas will serve through the end of 2028.
"Morgan was a tremendous student-athlete during her time at Upstate," said Ali Skayhan. "She made the most of her experience as a Spartan and used it to prepare herself for success at the next level and she believes in growing our sport. Her journey is a powerful example of what women in sports can achieve, and we are incredibly proud to see her continue making an impact on the game, giving back to the volleyball community, and inspiring young women everywhere!"
Thomas was a four-year starter for USC Upstate from 2008 to 2011 and a standout middle blocker for the Spartans. She set numerous school records during her career, including career kills (1,049) and career blocks (315). A former team captain, Thomas also became the first All-Atlantic Sun Conference selection in program history in 2011.
Off the court in Spartanburg, Thomas was highly involved across campus and within the athletics department. She served as a marketing intern for USC Upstate Athletics, was a member of the Executive Board for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and helped incoming students transition to college as a University 101 Peer Leader.
Thomas has continued that impact throughout her coaching career. The 2025 season marked her fourth at TCU, where the Horned Frogs again advanced to the NCAA Tournament. TCU has reached the NCAA postseason in all four of Thomas' seasons in Fort Worth, an unmatched streak in program history.
She was also an integral part of TCU's record-breaking 2024 season, which included the program's first-ever AVCA Poll ranking and its first AVCA First-Team All-American. Over the past two seasons, Thomas has helped TCU defeat 10 ranked opponents, including a program-record six wins over ranked teams in 2025.
Effective immediately, Thomas joins the other 16 members of the AVCA Board, which includes a blend of elected representatives and appointed members.
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