WEST HARTFORD, Conn.- University of Hartford Deputy Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator Holly Strauss-O'Brien has been appointed to the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Committee. Strauss-O'Brien's term on the committee will run to 2022.

"I am excited and honored to join the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Committee," Strauss-O'Brien said. "The game of volleyball has provided me with some extraordinary experiences and opportunities in my life. I am inspired and eager to give back to the sport that has given me so much and to  be a part of the team that sustains and advances the Association's mission, traditions, and values ."

Strauss-O'Brien joined the Hawks in 2015 as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Advancement.  Currently, Strauss-O'Brien oversees all development efforts along with serving as sport supervisor for women's basketball, men's soccer, men's lacrosse and women's lacrosse.

"I am excited and thrilled for Holly that she will have this experience." Said Director of Athletics, Mary Ellen Gillespie.  "She will be an incredible asset to the committee given her coaching background, knowledge of the sport and her very strong sport administration skills. This is a great appointment and a very proud moment for the University of Hartford."

Strauss-O'Brien played volleyball at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Following a prestigious career with the Tarheels, she served as an assistant coach for the UCONN Huskies volleyball program. After three years as an assistant, she was named head coach, a position in which she served for ten years.  In 2013 she was named the 2013 Big East Coach of the Year.

As a member of the NCAA Division, I Women's Volleyball Committee Strauss-O'Brien will be charged with enhancing the development and public perception of the sport. The committee makes recommendations related to regular-season and postseason play and is responsible for selecting and seeding the field for the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship.