FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – One of the best players in Arkansas volleyball history is back in a new role, as Jason Watson announced Wednesday that Jill Gillen will join the squad as an assistant coach.
“A significant part of an athlete’s journey is leaning on those that have gone before them. With the addition of Jill to our staff, we are providing our athletes a tremendous resource,” Watson said. “Her knowledge of the college game, coupled with a season in the Professional Volleyball Federation, will provide us all invaluable insight.”
Gillen, an outside hitter from Stilwell, Kan. wrapped up her playing career at Arkansas in December as the team concluded its season in their first-ever Elite Eight. She was named an All-American, is a four-time AVCA All-South Region honoree and five-time All-SEC selection. Jill also finished as the program all-time ace leader (189), second in program career kills (2,075), seventh in program career digs (1,261) and played the fifth-most matches of any Razorback with 143.
Following the end of the NCAA slate, Gillen was taken eighth overall in the Professional Volleyball Federation’s inaugural draft and played 79 sets with the Orlando Valkyries in the spring. She recorded 240 kills, 205 digs, and 13 aces. She signed a contract with the Columbus Fury earlier this month for the 2025 season, which begins in January.
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be back in Fayetteville. I can’t wait to work with and learn from the best in the coaching business to gain a new perspective on the game,” Gillen said. “I am excited to work with a wonderful and driven group of athletes. I want to help them grow and build upon the success of last season.”
With the addition of Gillen, Jason Watson’s coaching staff for his ninth season at the helm is complete. It’s the first at Arkansas for assistant coach Jordan Childs, and fourth for assistant coach Jordan Neal.
The Hogs begin the season in just one month, with their first weekend on the road at the Mustang Invitational in San Luis Obispo, Calif. August 30-31. Arkansas returns home and opens up play at Barnhill Arena with the Wooo Pig Invitational Sept. 5-8 and plays eight more home matches over the course of the schedule. Season and single match tickets are now available via Razorback Ticket Center.
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