The University of Tennessee has named former Xavier and Bellarmine volleyball player and tournament director Sarah O’Toole to its coaching staff for the Lady Vols. According to official athletic department announcements, O’Toole steps into her new role in Knoxville after managing operations and events with 3Step Sports.
Sarah O’Toole’s Collegiate Playing Career
Before moving into tournament administration and collegiate coaching, O’Toole built a solid foundation on the court as a student-athlete. According to athletic rosters, she played college volleyball at Xavier University before transferring to Bellarmine University. During her playing career, she developed the foundational understanding of the game that later translated into high-level event management and tactical coaching responsibilities.
Transition to Administration and 3Step Sports
Prior to joining the Lady Vols, O’Toole served as a tournament director for 3Step Sports, one of the nation’s largest youth sports club and event operators. According to company profiles, her work managing large-scale athletic events equipped her with logistical expertise and administrative oversight. Tennessee head coach Eve Rackham Watt added O’Toole to help bolster the program’s operational efficiency and player development pipeline.
Impact on the Lady Vols Program
The addition of O’Toole brings a diverse blend of playing experience and large-scale tournament management to the Southeastern Conference program. According to Tennessee Athletics staff directories, her administrative background allows the coaching staff to streamline day-to-day operations while focusing heavily on recruiting and on-court training. The Lady Vols continue to build out their staff ahead of the upcoming collegiate schedule, leveraging O’Toole’s extensive grassroots and collegiate network.
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