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ATHENS, Ohio – Ohio Athletics announced today the retirement of head volleyball coach Geoff Carlston. After four seasons into his second stint in Athens, Carlston made the decision to retire from coaching and focus on his family. Director of Athletics Julie Cromer has tabbed assistant coach Kenzie Brinkman to serve as the interim head coach for the upcoming 2025 season.

"We are grateful to Geoff for his dedication and service to Ohio," Cromer said. "He is the all-time winningest coach in our history and guided this program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance. Geoff is a Hall of Fame coach and will forever be a Bobcat. We wish him, his wife Sara and their children the very best and look forward to seeing them back in Athens in the near future." 

Carlston departs Ohio with a career record of 477-276 (.633), including 209 victories at the helm of the Bobcats. He boasts a a 125-27 (.822) Mid-American Conference record and a 15-12 (.556) NCAA Tournament record over nine total seasons in Athens. Carlston was inducted into the Kermit Blosser Hall of Fame Class of 2020. 

"Teddy, Charlie and Crosby grew up in the gym and my wife, Sara, moved to Ohio to allow me to follow my passion of coaching," Carlston said. "But, at the end of the day, we are Minnesotans and are ready to get back home to be closer to our families."

Since his return in 2021, Ohio produced six all-MAC honorees, including Maggie Nedoma (2021), Caroline Clippard (2021, 2022), Sam Steele (2021), Caitlin O'Farrell (2022, 2023), Anna Kharchynska (2022, 2023, 2024) and Kam Hunt (2023, 2024). O'Farrell was also a two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Northeast All-Region Honorable Mention honoree. Ohio competed in the postseason in 2022 and advanced to the NIVC round of 16. 

Academically, 31 Bobcats were named Academic All-MAC, with eight earning a spot on the Academic All-District teams. 

During his first tenure at Ohio from 2003-07, Carlston built a powerhouse in the MAC. His squads reached the NCAA Tournament every season and won five straight conference crowns with an overall record of 144-22. The Bobcats won 78 of 80 MAC matches and went 14-1 in the conference tournament with four tourney titles. From Nov. 8, 2003 through Sept. 28, 2007, Carlston's Bobcats won 64 consecutive MAC matches. His .968 winning percentage against MAC foes is the highest in conference history. He also led a squad to a ranking in the AVCA's Top 25 for 42 consecutive weeks, including its highest ranking in school history at No. 13 in 2007.  

Four Bobcats were named MAC Player of the Year, including Lauren Hageman (2003), Briana Adamovsky (2004), Julia Winkfield (2005) and Melissa Griffin (2007). Additionally, Amanda Anderson (2005) and Ellen Herman (2006) were tabbed MAC Freshman of the Year during that stretch. Carlston was awarded the MAC Coach of the Year four times and was twice named the Mideast Region Coach of the Year.

"I am and will always be grateful to be a part of this amazing Athens community and to be a Bobcat," Carlston said. "I have no doubt the program is in good hands, and I look forward to cheering them on from Minnesota."

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