Eric Majors Joins Graceland Men’s Volleyball as Head Coach
Lamoni, Iowa – Graceland University Athletics and Athletic Director Brady McKillip announced the hiring of Eric Majors.
Eric came to Graceland after serving as Assistant Coach for the Drake University Women's Volleyball team. He directed scouting reports and game plan creation and served as the primary blocking coach and the current offensive coordinator. Achievements include a school record of 30-8 wins in 2022, reaching the MVC Championship game as well as the NIVC championship game (runner-up). In 2023, they would have the season's highest r.p.i. finish in school history (54) and win in school history (UC Santa Barbara, 34). He coached four all-conference players, including Freshman of the Year, Libero of the Year, and Player of the Year.
Prior to Drake, Majors held the Head Coaching position at Avila University. His accomplishments include the highest Conference finish in Avila KCAC conference history, the first conference tournament win for Avila in KCAC history, and the most conference wins in school history (10). He had three players earn All-Conference status.
As the Associate Head Coach from the McNeese State University (NCAA DIV 1), he would push his players to qualify for the Southland Conference Championships for four straight seasons. Majors directed serving attack that finished 3rd national aces per set NCAA Division 1, 2014 and coached five "All-Conference" players, including "Louisiana Player of the Year."
During his time at Graceland Majors helped the Graceland Men's team complete its most successful season in recent memory by winning the MAVIC West conference tournament (2011-12) and qualifying for NAIA Nationals for the first time in school history, since the NAIA restored an Invitational Championship in 2009. Majors directed the offensive attack for the women's varsity team and helped guide them to their best finish in seven years by finishing 2nd in the conference and 2nd in the HAAC conference tournament (2012-13). Majors was named "AVCA/NAIA Midwest Region Assistant Coach of the Year" for his efforts.
On the club side Majors spent time with the Texas Tornadoes Volleyball Club where he served as head coach of the 18 and 11 Mizuno. He guided the 18 Mizuno to the USAV Nationals with a bronze medal at the Mid-East National Qualifier and finished with the Houston Shutout in third place out of all team in Houston. His 11 Mizuno team ranked in the Top 3 in Houston.
Majors has also directed Sandshark volleyball club in Kansas City from 2006-2014. The Sandshark successfully qualified 50% of its teams to USAV Junior Nationals (one of the highest ratios in the heart of America Region). He trained numerous players who have gone on to be primary contributors in their collegiate careers.
Majors competed at Graceland University a middle blocker for teams that finished 2nd, 5th and 9th at the NIRSA Collegiate nationals, while being named to the MIVA all-tournament team his senior season.
"I would like to thank interim president Schrock and athletic director Brady McKillip for allowing me the opportunity to lead the program," states Eric Majors. "My hope is to have Graceland competing on the national stage as well as mentoring our amazing young men to achieve great things on and off the court. I want our alumni to be very proud of our performance on the floor. Graceland played a very important role in my life, and my goal is for our student-athletes to feel the same".
"We are excited to have Eric join men's volleyball and bring his experience and expertise to the program," says Athletic Director Brady McKillip. "We look forward to having him back on campus after his time away."
-Yellowjackets-