Dustin Sahlmann hired as Lyon volleyball coach
Lyon Athletics
Matt Jagodzinski, Assistant Athletic Director for Media and Communications
BATESVILLE – Lyon College Director of Athletics Kevin Jenkins has announced the hiring of Dustin Sahlmann as the seventh head coach of the Scots’ volleyball program.
Sahlmann brings a successful pedigree as a volleyball coach at the high school and collegiate levels over the past couple of decades.
“We are excited to welcome Dustin to Lyon College and feel that he will be a tremendous fit for our volleyball program,” Jenkins said. “Dustin brings with him a great track record of developing players both at the high school and collegiate level that will benefit Scots’ volleyball.”
Sahlmann comes to Lyon following four seasons as the head volleyball coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. During his time at UAPB, the Lady Lions won more conference matches in three years than any other coach in school history (26). Sahlmann led UAPB to its first wins over Jackson State and Alabama A&M in program history during his tenure. He coached 19 Southwest Athletic Conference Player of the Week recipients. Sahlmann also coached 2017 SWAC Newcomer of the Year, Lisa Casimie. In 2018, UAPB OH Kendalle Howard led the SWAC in kills per set, points and points per set. UAPB had a pair of all-conference selections that season. Sahlmann helped raise the team grade-point average from a 3.0 to a 3.775 during his time at UAPB.
Prior to his time at UAPB, Sahlmann spent one year as the assistant volleyball coach and recruiting coordinator at Louisiana Tech. Before his time at Louisiana Tech, Sahlmann served as the assistant volleyball coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of New Orleans until he was promoted to the interim head coach at UNO.
Sahlmann earned his first head coaching position at the collegiate level in 2011 at Philander Smith College. During his two-year tenure with PSC, Sahlmann had one player earn First-Team and another earn Second-Team All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference honors. He was also played an integral role in helping PSC host the 2020 GCAC Tournament.
Sahlmann also spent time as the head volleyball coach of the Little Rock Juniors and at Pulaski Academy High School after beginning his coaching career as a student assistant at the University of Arkansas in 1994.
Sahlmann obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix in 2006.
“I want to thank (Lyon College) Director of Athletics Kevin Jenkins, President W. Joseph King and the rest of the administration for giving me this opportunity to lead the Lyon volleyball program” Sahlmann said. “Coach (Ray) Green did a great job building a competitive program that the Batesville community is proud of and I am looking forward to building upon his successes. Also, I would like to thank the assistant coach, Wes Hart, for welcoming me into the program. We have a good relationship and I firmly believe that together, we can raise the bar for this program!
“Most importantly, I would not be here without the support of my family and the answered prayers from God above. Being away from the game for a year was difficult but there was a reason and I know I am here to do special things at Lyon College!”