Head Coach Emily Foster

Los Angeles, CA – Occidental College is excited to announce the appointment of Emily Foster as the new head coach for women's volleyball.  With an impressive background in coaching and a wealth of experience in collegiate athletics, Foster brings a dynamic leadership style and a proven track record of success to the Tigers' coaching staff.

Foster joins Occidental College after a highly successful tenure at St. Olaf, where she served as the head coach for seven seasons.  During her time at St. Olaf, Foster amassed an outstanding record, leading the Oles to numerous achievements and accolades.  Under her guidance, the team achieved a combined record of 115-67 (.623), marking one of the most successful periods in program history.

Notably, Foster's teams at St. Olaf consistently achieved winning records, with six consecutive winning seasons and three consecutive 20-win seasons from 2017 to 2019.  Her leadership also propelled the Oles to the championship match of the MIAC Playoffs twice, in 2019 and 2022, and secured their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2010.

Foster's coaching prowess extends beyond the court, as she also served as an assistant athletic director at St. Olaf and was the department's senior woman administrator.  Her comprehensive understanding of collegiate athletics and her commitment to fostering a culture of excellence make her a valuable addition to the Occidental College community.

Prior to her tenure at St. Olaf, Foster gained valuable coaching experience as an assistant coach at NCAA Division II Northern State University, where she played a pivotal role in the team's success.  She also honed her skills as a graduate assistant at Minnesota State Mankato, further solidifying her expertise in the realm of collegiate volleyball.

As a former standout student-athlete herself, Foster brings a unique perspective to coaching, having enjoyed a decorated career as a setter at the University of St. Thomas.  Her accolades include being a four-time First Team All-MIAC selection, a three-time, AVCA All-America, and a two-time MIAC MVP.  Her passion for the sport and her commitment to excellence serve as inspirations to her student-athletes both on and off the court.

Foster's coaching philosophy emphasizes not only athletic achievement, but also personal and academic growth.  She is dedicated to empowering student-athletes to reach their full potential and to instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

With a proven track record or success and her unwavering dedication, Foster is poised to lead the Occidental women's volleyball program to new heights.  The Tigers eagerly anticipate the start of the upcoming season under her guidance and are confident in her ability to inspire excellence in every aspect of the game.  Please join us in welcoming Coach Foster to Oxy Athletics!