Fort Valley State University head men’s volleyball coach Larry Wrather has quickly established himself as one of the rising program-builders in collegiate men’s volleyball and a driving force in the continued growth of HBCU athletics on the national stage. Known for building a culture rooted in accountability, toughness, development, and belief, Wrather has transformed the Wildcats into one of the premier programs in the SIAC while earning national respect for the program’s competitive identity, player development, and championship standard.
Under Wrather’s leadership, FVSU has emerged as a national story in men’s volleyball, becoming the first HBCU program to reach the NCAA D1 Men’s Volleyball NC Elite Eight — accomplishing the feat twice. The Wildcats have also captured multiple SIAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships while establishing themselves as one of the most consistent programs in the conference and among the nation’s top emerging NCAA men’s volleyball programs.
Wrather’s impact extends far beyond wins and losses. His program has developed All-Americans, conference players of the year, all-conference performers, and nationally recognized student-athletes both on and off the court. Under his leadership, FVSU student-athletes have earned AVCA All-Academic honors while competing against some of the nation’s top programs. His teams are known for playing with discipline, emotion, resilience, and an unmistakable edge that reflects the culture he has intentionally built from the ground up.
A relentless recruiter and relationship-builder, Wrather has helped position FVSU as a destination program for student-athletes seeking high-level volleyball, meaningful mentorship, and a championship culture. His philosophy centers on developing the complete student-athlete — mentally, physically, and professionally — while preparing young men to lead long after their playing careers end. That player-first approach, combined with his authenticity and competitiveness, has helped establish a strong network of former players, recruits, and supporters connected to the program’s vision.
Before arriving at Fort Valley State University, Wrather gained valuable collegiate coaching experience at the University of Charleston after his own playing career at Ball State University, one of the nation’s historically respected men’s volleyball programs. Those experiences helped shape both his competitive mindset and his understanding of what sustainable championship culture requires at the collegiate level.
In addition to his collegiate success, Wrather has earned recognition on the national stage through his work with USA Volleyball and the National Team Development Program (NTDP). Serving in coaching roles with USA Volleyball training programs, Wrather has helped identify and develop some of the nation’s top young talent while continuing to elevate his own program through national-level experience and relationships within the sport. His involvement with USA Volleyball reflects both his growing reputation within the coaching community and his commitment to advancing the game at every level.
Widely respected for his energy, vision, and authenticity, Wrather continues to build more than a successful volleyball program — he is building a legacy centered on opportunity, representation, and excellence within HBCU men’s volleyball. His leadership philosophy emphasizes daily standards, consistency, sacrifice, and growth, creating an environment where student-athletes are challenged to become elite competitors, accountable teammates, and impactful men.
Away from the court, Wrather values faith, family, and fatherhood as central pillars of his life and leadership. He and his wife, Hannah, are proud parents to their son, Phoenix, who remains a constant source of motivation and perspective throughout the demands of coaching and leadership.
For Wrather, success is not simply measured by championships or recognition, but by the culture left behind, the lives impacted, and the standard carried forward by every player who wears the Wildcats jersey.
