EASTON, Pa. – Ryan Adams, who has served as Lafayette's women's volleyball coach for the past four seasons, has accepted a position as the head coach of the William and Mary volleyball program.

A national search for Adams' replacement has begun and assistant coach Ryan Mather will serve as the acting head coach.

"We're very thankful for the outstanding job that Ryan has done as our volleyball coach. He invigorated our program, pushing us to heights not previously reached, and has positioned Lafayette volleyball for a successful future" said Lafayette Director of Athletics Sherryta Freeman. "We thank him for his leadership and wish him the best of luck at William and Mary, where he was previously an assistant coach."

Adams was the Patriot League Coach of the Year in 2021. He pushed the 2021 squad to the most conference wins and the highest tournament seeding in program history. He also helped guide Patriot League Player of the Year Leanna Deegan '22 to lead all of Division I women's volleyball in kills per set and points per set. The duo of Adams and Deegan were the first conference major award winners in Lafayette volleyball history. 

In his first year on College Hill, Adams led the Leopards to the most wins the program had seen in 10 years, moving to a 13-19 overall record. In a shortened 2021 spring season, the Maroon and White were 2-5, including a weekend sweep of crosstown rival Lehigh. Adams also coached Deegan to the program's first Patriot League First-Team selection since 2006.

"I'd like to thank Sherryta and the Lafayette athletic administration for taking a chance on me as a first-time head coach," Adams said. "I learned a lot in my short time here at Lafayette College and none of it would have been possible without the incredible women on the team and their amazing commitment to this program. I am excited to see what the future brings for Leopard volleyball."