STATESBORO - Georgia Southern Director of Athletics Chris Davis has announced the signing of head volleyball coach Chad Willis to a five-year contract extension, which will keep him in Statesboro through 2030.

"My family and I are incredibly proud and grateful to be a part of Georgia Southern," Willis said. "The opportunity to lead this program while representing such a fine institution and one of the most passionate fan bases is the privilege and an honor of a lifetime. There is a strong foundation and rich legacy we look forward to continuing to build upon."

Willis has amassed 108 wins over his seven seasons at the helm of Eagle volleyball, including directing Georgia Southern to 20+ win seasons and an NIVC postseason appearance in each of the past two years. His 108 wins currently rank second all-time in Georgia Southern volleyball history, and he is just eight wins shy of the all-time mark of 116.

"We couldn't be more excited to have Chad leading our volleyball program for years to come," Davis said. "Chad and his staff have built something truly special here in Statesboro. He continues to demonstrate remarkable leadership for the young women on our team while fostering a strong connection with our volleyball alumni. His passion for our student-athletes and his commitment to excellence on and off the court embody what it means to be an Eagle. Having Chad, his wife Caroline, and their family deeply involved in our community and in Eagle Nation is incredibly meaningful. We know Chad and his staff will continue to GATA, create an outstanding environment in Hanner Fieldhouse and make Eagle Nation proud. Hail Southern!"

Willis' student-athletes have earned nine All-Sun Belt Conference honors, including two-time first-team All-SBC and AVCA All-Region outside hitter Reagan Barth, as well as an astonishing 27 weekly Sun Belt volleyball honors through Nov. 4. The Georgia Southern volleyball program recorded its highest end-of-season RPI (No. 53), its highest in-season RPI (No. 28), recorded its first P4 win since 2016 (Clemson) and has put together a remarkable 37-7 record at Hanner Fieldhouse over the last three years under Willis' tutelage. Under Willis, the volleyball program has consistently set high marks academically while also being actively engaged in campus and community outreach. 

"Georgia Southern Volleyball is more than just a team; we are home," Willis added. "Our culture is the collective effort of everyone to be cared for and counted on while relentlessly pursuing excellence on and off the court. Every student-athlete, coach, staff member, and fan who's invested a part of themselves in this program understands just how meaningful the relationships are here. Our institutional alignment is special; I want to personally thank Dr. Marrero, Chris Davis, Brandy Clouse and all of Eagle Nation for their support. A very special thank you to our alumni, our coaches and staff for the confidence in our vision and the tireless work you put in daily to elevate our standard while pushing us to greater heights."

The Eagles are currently 18-5 this season and 9-3 in the Sun Belt, and next travel to Georgia State to take on the Panthers on Friday evening.