CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson University head volleyball coach Jackie Simpson Kirr agrees to a new multi-year extension. Kirr was promoted to head coach on May 6, 2021, after serving as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for four seasons.
“We are very excited about what Jackie and her staff are building here,” said Director of Athletics Graham Neff. “She is highly respected in the volleyball community and she places great value on the student-athlete experience. We look forward to watching this program grow under her leadership.”
Over the next three years, Kirr will look to build upon the success from the 2021 season which included defeating Rutgers in three sets for the first Clemson victory over a Big Ten opponent since 1999.
“I am grateful for the continued support of our program from President Clements, Graham Neff and Natalie Honnen,” said Kirr. “Clemson is positioned to continue our climb in the ACC, and I am thrilled to do so alongside our wonderful student-athletes and staff. The people make the place, and Clemson is a place that my family and I love being a part of. It’s a great day to be a Tiger!”
Under Kirr’s direction, Clemson started the 2021 season 10-3 to mark the best start in program history since 2014 and started 2-0 in ACC play for the first time since 2011. The Tigers posted a perfect 8-0 record against non-conference opponents in Jervey Gym. Kirr guided the Tigers to a 12-win season to mark the most wins in the inaugural season of a head coaches’ tenure since Jolene Hoover in 1993. On the court, the Tigers finished with 59 block solos, the most by the program since 2014 and finished with the third-fewest attack errors in program history.
Since arriving at Clemson, Kirr has helped guide the Tigers to their first postseason appearance since 2009 with an appearance in the NIVC in 2018 and has mentored five different players that earned All-ACC accolades on seven occasions. Kirr has also raised the bar when it comes to recruiting. She has brought in two recruiting classes that were given honorable mention recognition by the AVCA, and Clemson’s 2020 recruiting class was tabbed No. 24 in the nation and was one of two recruiting classes in the nation to feature four All-Americans. Kirr will announce her inaugural signing class as head coach at Clemson at a later date.
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