Head Coach
Luke Ward
The Oral Roberts University athletic department has named Luke Ward as the 12th head coach of the volleyball program, as announced Friday morning by Athletic Director Tim Johnson.
Ward comes to ORU after spending the last eight seasons at Trinity International University as the head coach where he led the Trojans to an NCCAA National Championship in 2022. Since Ward took over the women's program, the Trojans went from just three wins in 2015, to 30 in 2022.
“We are excited about the future of our volleyball program as we announce Luke Ward as our new head coach,” Athletic Director Tim Johnson said. “Coach Ward joins the Golden Eagle family with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has recently led his team to a national championship and we are excited to see the momentum he will bring to ORU Volleyball. As the volleyball team moves to the Mabee Center for competition, we are excited to unveil some of the best volleyball facilities in the nation. I am confident that soon we will reach the top of the Summit League with Coach Ward as we look to elevate the program to compete for championships while also developing young women in mind, body and spirit with a strong culture. We’re excited to have him join our team!”
Ward’s team had an impeccable 2022 campaign. The Trojans went 30-9 overall, 13-4 in CCAC play, and made it to the conference semifinal. The season continued in Point Lookout, Missouri, to claim the program’s first NCCAA national title. Ward’s team was recognized as the CCAC’s lone Champions of Character Team while overseeing the continued development of a pair of fifth-year stars, conference Player of the Year Brianna Torres and Libero of the Year Jaylyn Freeman, both of whom, along with Trojan setter Anna Skrzypchak, were named to the all-conference first team.
"I want to thank President Wilson and Athletic Director Tim Johnson for the opportunity to lead the volleyball program," said Ward. "ORU is a special place, my family and I felt that the moment we stepped on campus. We have a lot to be excited about. I am looking forward to connecting with the team, the alumni, the community and all of those that support our student-athletes. I can't wait to get started."
As head coach, the Trinity International volleyball program has produced 16 All-CCAC and 11 NCCAA North-Central All-Region selections. In addition, 25 CCAC, 19 NCCAA, and 18 NAIA scholar-athletes have been honored for their success. Ward has had three student-athletes named to the CSC All-District Team. The Trojans also earned NAIA Scholar-Team honors in 2015 and 2021.
Prior to arriving at Trinity, Ward was an assistant coach at Olivet Nazarene University, where the Tigers appeared in three consecutive CCAC Tournaments, including the 2014 championship match, which helped qualify ONU for the NAIA Tournament.
Ward previously owned First Contact Volleyball Club in Bourbonnais, Illinois, for four years. There he oversaw 12 coaches and as many as 100 athletes throughout the club. FCV’s focus was development and building character and the club saw several athletes go on to play at the collegiate level as well as had a 16’s team win an Asics National Championship in 2018.
Ward is married to his wife Erin. Together they have three sons Nolan, Chase, Adler and one daughter Sloane. As a player himself, Ward was a four-year starter for the club team at Olivet Nazarene from 2005-2009.