COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Wildcats director is taking his talents to the national stage. Fort Valley State head men's volleyball coach Larry Wrather has been selected as one of the USA National Training Development Program (NTDP) coaches for the U17, U18 and U19 teams.
"This is an incredible honor to once again be part of the USAV NTDP. I remember what it was like to be one of the young athletes in the program, and now being able to give back as a coach is truly special," notes Wrather.
He will be on the coach staff as part of the first training series taking place from October 17th through October 20th at the Olympic and Paralympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs, Colo.
"After a historic season with our men's program, having the chance to coach at the USA level is not only a personal milestone but also a fantastic opportunity to elevate our program to the next level," added the Wildcat coach.
Wrather guided the 2024 FVSU program to its first and the inaugural HBCU institution to make the NCAA NC Men's Volleyball Championship where it fell in the First Round to National Champion UCLA. FVSU also claimed its first Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title and posted a program-record 17-9 season record.
The USA NTDP provides the opportunity and the environment to train, compete and further the development for some of the most promising USA volleyball athletes while learning from the country's best coaches. The invited athletes who participate in this program are in strong consideration to compete for positions on their respective USA Volleyball Age Group National Teams in 2025, as well as future Training Series.
Coach Wrather will be part of the U17, U18 and U19 coaching staff under the direction of Springfield College's Charlie Sullivan. The other members of the coaching staff includes Rory Prager of the University of Southern California, Ryan Mason from California State Northridge, Penn State's Pat Shawnryn, Sam Shweisky from Princeton, Harvard's Chase Howard, Ryan DeWeese of University of California Santa Barbara and NTDP's Ken Shibuya.
Wrather honor to be on USA NTDP's staff gives the rising FVSU program even more exposure.
"It's a testament to the growth we're experiencing, and I'm excited to showcase the name of Fort Valley State University on a national stage and continue putting our program in the spotlight," finished Wrather.
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