Brian Imperiale Has Been Named the Interim Head Coach for the 2025 Season

TAMPA, Fla. – Following the retirement of Chris Catanach, current Tampa volleyball Associate Head Coach Brian Imperiale has been named the Interim Head Coach for the 2025 season.

"I would like to thank Coach Catanach, Athletic Director Larry Marfise, and President Dahlberg for this opportunity", Imperiale stated. "It's an incredible honor to lead the University of Tampa volleyball program, a place that has meant so much to me and my family. Having been part of three National Championships here, I'm excited to build on that tradition and help guide this team into the future. My wife Margeaux, a proud UTampa Volleyball Hall of Famer, and our family are deeply grateful for this opportunity and all that this program represents."

Imperiale was hired in 2014 and enjoyed instant success at the University of Tampa as the Spartans captured the 2014 national championship with a 3-0 sweep over Southwest Minnesota State in the title match. The program went 34-1 on the season, which included a perfect 16-0 showing in the Sunshine State Conference. Additionally, Berkley Whaley was honored as the National Player of the Year as he coached alongside National Coach of the Year Chris Catanach.

The 2018 season was one for the record books. After starting the year unranked, the Spartans battled their way to a 33-4 record, ending the season No. 1 in the nation and with the title, National Champions. Imperiale mentored Katie McKiel and Sorrel Houghton, two 2018 AVCA All-American selections. Additionally, he helped lead the Spartans to their 26th Sunshine State Conference Championship, an NCAA South Regional Championship, and, most importantly, the NCAA Division II National Championship. The 2018 National Championship title marks Imperiale's second, the first coming in 2014, his first season as assistant coach. 

Imperiale helped guide the 2021 team alongside head coach Chris Catanach to capture their fourth National Championship with a 3-0 sweep against Washburn University. The Spartans finished first in the SSC with a 34-2 overall record and five Spartans were selected for the 2021 AVCA and D2CCA All-South Region teams. Imperiale mentored Taylor Fosler, who finished the season as the NCAA Division II statistical champion in hitting percentage. 

He was promoted to associate head coach following the 2021 national championship.

"I am happy that Brian will have the opportunity to carry on the winning tradition of the University of Tampa volleyball program", Chris Catanach said. "From his first day on campus and every day after, Brian has spent countless hours expanding his knowledge of all facets of the game. He is a lifelong learner who eats, breathes, and sleeps volleyball.  Brian is an outstanding recruiter, trainer, manager of people, game tactician, and builder of team chemistry.  Since his arrival, we have won six Sunshine State Conference Championships, four NCAA Regional Championships, and three NCAA National Championships.  I thank him for challenging me to be a better coach every day for the past eleven years. I look forward to watching Tampa volleyball win more championships".