After over three decades at the helm of Florida volleyball, Mary Wise will return to the college volleyball sphere as a women’s college volleyball analyst for ESPN.
"I'm honored to join ESPN and remain in the college volleyball landscape," Wise said. "I've seen firsthand the growth of the game and how ESPN has played a significant role. I'm excited to continue contributing to the sport I love from this new perspective."
Wise left her mark on the Florida volleyball program, accumulating a record breaking 1,068 wins — 987 came in her 34 years with the Gators. She is also a 15-time SEC Coach of the Year, three-time AVCA Coach of the Year and won 25 SEC Championships, the most of any SEC women’s volleyball team.
Wise spearheaded 13 undefeated SEC seasons and led the Gators to 30 NCAA Regional Semifinal appearances and eight Final Four appearances.
Before finding her home at Florida, Wise coached for Iowa State and Kentucky. As a player, she set for Purdue and got her first look at a conference championship, helping the Boilermakers to two Big Ten Championships in 1979 and 1980. She will now bring her player and coaching experience to the sideline for much of the 2025 season.
Wise kicks off her ESPN career on Aug. 24 at AVCA First Serve in Lincoln, Nebraska, where the top division one teams will face off. The Gators, now under head coach Ryan Theis, will participate in the tournament and face Pittsburgh at 1 p.m.
Contact Ava DiCecca at adicecca@alligator.org. Follow her on X @avadicecca24.
