USU Eastern Athletics:
Utah State University Eastern announces the departure of Head Volleyball Coach Danielle Jensen, who has accepted the head coaching position at Southern Utah University, a Division I program within the NCAA. While the move marks an exciting new chapter in her coaching journey, her impact on USU Eastern and the community of Price will be felt for years to come.
Jensen spent the past 10 years building the USU Eastern volleyball program into a national force and breaking countless school records along the way. Her tenure was marked by excellence on the court, with a career record of 190-88 and three NJCAA national tournament appearances in 2021, 2022 and 2024.
But her legacy in Price extends far beyond wins and trophies.
“Coach Jensen changed the trajectory of USU Eastern volleyball,” said USU Eastern Athletic Director Jess Brinkerhoff. “She didn’t just build a competitive team—she created a culture of accountability, compassion, and high standards that lifted our entire department.”
A Price native and USU Eastern graduate herself, Jensen’s connection to the campus and community was personal and deep-rooted. She took great pride in representing her hometown at the highest level and worked tirelessly to give back to the school that helped shape her. In addition to her coaching duties, Jensen served as Assistant Athletic Director for External Operations, helping expand community outreach and improve the student-athlete experience across all sports.
“She was a tireless advocate for her athletes,” said Brinkerhoff. “She helped countless players continue their education and playing careers at four-year universities and instilled in them the confidence to succeed in life after sports.”
Under her leadership, the volleyball program produced numerous All-Americans and all-conference players, many of whom went on to play at NCAA Division I and II institutions. Her teams were a constant presence in the NJCAA national rankings, climbing as high as No. 2 in the country.
Together with her husband and recruiting coordinator Calvin, Coach Jensen built the program through a combination of grit, family culture, and belief in the power of hard work. Their impact was felt not only on the court but in homes, schools, and communities throughout Eastern Utah.
“Leaving Eastern is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” said Coach Jensen. “This place is home. I’ve been incredibly blessed to coach where I grew up, to walk the same halls I once walked as a student, and to give back to a community that has given our family so much. The memories, the players, my AD & staff—we’ve built something special here, and I will carry that with me forever. I’m beyond grateful for the love and support Price has shown me over the years. Thank you for believing in me, in us, and in what we were building. I’ll always be an Eagle at heart.”
As Jensen transitions to SUU and the Western Athletic Conference, USU Eastern reflects with pride and gratitude on a decade of excellence.
“We’re thrilled for Coach Jensen and wish her all the success in the world at SUU,” said Brinkerhoff. “She has left USU Eastern volleyball better than she found it, and her influence will continue to shape this program for years to come.”