MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced has hired Dr. Anitra Brockman as its next head women's volleyball coach, Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation David Dunham announced on Thursday morning.

Brockman joins UC Merced after spending the last two years launching University of Maryland Eastern Shore men's volleyball. She immediately built UMES into a Northeast Conference contender and led her team to the NEC Tournament in its inaugural season in 2026. UMES, the first ever NCAA Division I HBCU with men's volleyball, was the No. 3 seed.

"We are excited to have Dr. Brockman join our program and lead our women's volleyball team," Dunham said. "She has demonstrated success at multiple NCAA institutions and has a proven track record of developing student-athletes on and off the court."

Under Brockman, Maryland Eastern Shore led the NEC and was ranked top ten nationally in kills per set, assists per set, and blocks per set. UMES finished with a 17-11 record overall and a 7-5 record in the NEC. The Hawks were 11-0 on their home court, one of just two teams in the country to finish undefeated at home (NJIT). She helped lead middle blocker Chase Valentine to NEC Rookie of the Year and All-NEC First Team honors.  Additionally, Brockman coached two All-NEC Second Team selections.

"I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the UC Merced women's volleyball program," Brockman said. "From my first visit to campus, it was clear that UC Merced is a special place with tremendous momentum, outstanding people, and a genuine commitment to student-athlete success. I want to thank Executive Director of Athletics David Dunham, the search committee, and the entire university for believing in my vision. I look forward to building a championship culture rooted in excellence, accountability, and meaningful relationships while helping our student-athletes succeed both on the court and in the classroom. I can't wait to get to Merced and become part of the Bobcat community."

Also at UMES, Brockman became the first woman to lead a NCAA Division 1 men's volleyball program.

Previously, Brockman served as the head men's and women's volleyball coach at Central State for two years. She led Central State men's volleyball to back-to-back SIAC Championship matches in 2023 & 2024 and coached the SIAC Libero of the Year both seasons. Brockman coached an All-SIAC First Team selection with Central State women's volleyball in 2023 and her team led the conference in service aces. Central State was Brockman's first collegiate coaching job.

Brockman led Stephan T. Badin High School boys and girls volleyball from 2018-2022. She led Badin boys volleyball to its first Ohio High School Boys Volleyball Association State Championship in 2022 and was named the OHSBVA Coach of the Year. Badin girls volleyball advanced to its first ever OHSAA Division II regional final with Brockman on the sidelines.

While at Badin, Brockman also served as the Ohio High School Girls Volleyball Coaches Association President from 2018 to 2020 and the OHSVB Association President from 2021 to 2022. Serving as president, Brockman played a key role in boys' volleyball being officially sanctioned by the OHSAA last fall.

Prior to Badin, she was the head girls volleyball coach at Summit Country Day and Hamilton High School.  

On the national level, Brockman has served as a coach for the USA Boys Volleyball NTDP program in 2025 and 2026.

Over her career, Brockman has earned the AVCA Diversity Award, USA Volleyball's Robert L. Lindsey Meritorious Service Award, Ohio Valley Volleyball Officials Association Coaching Service Award, and was listed in the Cincinnati Enquirer's People to Watch List in 2022. Earlier this summer, Brockman was selected to participate in the WeCOACH NCAA Women Coaches Academy Class #56.

In 2024, Brockman earned her Doctor of Education in Sports Management from National University. She completed her bachelor's and master's degree in business administration from Intercontinental University. Brockman has three children, including her son Jordan who she coached at Maryland Eastern Shore.