BROOKINGS (SDSU PR) — Dan Georgalas, who helped build Wyoming into one of the top programs in the Mountain West Conference, has been named the new volleyball coach at South Dakota State University. Director of Athletics Justin Sell announced the hire Monday.
“Dan brings high energy and a positive approach to our volleyball program,” Sell said. “His philosophy of how he will build a successful program strongly aligns with the mission and ideals of our department and our university as a whole.”
Georgalas (pronounced jor-JAL-iss) spent seven seasons on the coaching staff at Wyoming, helping lead the Cowgirls to a 143-74 overall record, including an 87-19 home record. He was an assistant coach for five seasons before being promoted to associate head coach and recruiting coordinator prior to the 2018 season.
“It is important to me to represent South Dakota State University with passion and integrity, and I’m looking forward to creating a great student-athlete experience while building a team culture that the campus and community of Brookings will be proud of,” Georgalas said. “Thank you to Justin Sell for allowing me to be the next leader of this program and also thank you to Chad Callihan and the Wyoming volleyball family for seven wonderful years in Laramie.”
The Cowgirls finished in the top three of the Mountain West Conference five times, including runner-up finishes in both 2017 and 2019. The 2019 squad ended the year with a 22-9 overall record, including a 16-2 conference mark, and made its third consecutive appearance in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship.
A native of the Chicago area, Georgalas began his coaching career as a student assistant at the University of Kansas while working toward a degree in sports management. After graduating in 2010, he stayed on for a year as a volunteer assistant for the Jayhawks and also coached with the Lawrence Juniors Volleyball Club. He also played for the Kansas men’s club volleyball team.
In 2012, Georgalas moved on to Stephen F. Austin, where he was an assistant coach for a squad that posted a 22-12 record.
Georgalas will begin his duties at SDSU in January.
