Connor Dougherty - Women's Volleyball Coach

Connor Dougherty

Title:
Assistant Coach
Email:
connor.dougherty@usm.edu

Connor Dougherty joined Jenny Hazelwood's staff in January of 2022 as an assistant coach.

Prior to arriving in Hattiesburg, Dougherty spent eight seasons playing volleyball professionally for various clubs around the world after a successful five-year collegiate career at Grand Canyon University and the University of Iowa. A native of Aurora, Ill., he most recently worked with Hazelwood and her husband at their Infinity Volleyball Academy in Flowood, Miss.

Dougherty's playing career led him to join Hawai’i Ima Ola for the club’s inaugural season in Tier II of the Volleyball League of America as a Middle Back. Before joining Ima Ola, Dougherty was a staple for the Phoenix Ascension organization, another member of the VLA. He spent a total of seven seasons with the organization, the first coming directly after his collegiate career in the Summer of 2014. Dougherty became part of the team’s first season, then known as the Arizona Sizzle. He has been a member of the organization in every year of its existence.

Dougherty spent the Fall of 2014 overseas, playing for the Aris Club in Thessaloniki, Greece, a member of the first division of A1 FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball). After returning to Phoenix for the Sizzle’s next summer season, he again ventured overseas, this time to Thailand. Dougherty signed with Wing 46 Phitsanulok, becoming the club’s first American-born player.

Dougherty became an instrumental part of Wing 46’s team, helping them to a Thailand League Title – the organization’s first. Later that season, he contributed to the team’s performance in the Thai-Denmark Super League. Wing 46 enjoyed a runner-up finish in the league, losing only in the championship match in five sets.

During his time as a professional player, Dougherty coached at the club and prep school level. His first stint was at LiveWire Volleyball Club in Phoenix, Ariz. from 2013 to 2015. Dougherty was able to improve the club overall, helping to contribute to the club's move to a much-improved facility in 2015. He also served as the Head Coach at North Phoenix Preparatory School, spending one year with the Gladiators.

In his time as an intercollegiate athlete, Dougherty was a part of the Grand Canyon’s first recruiting class in program history. He lettered four years, redshirting his sophomore year and playing at the highest club level at Iowa. Upon returning to GCU, Dougherty earned all MIVA (Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) All-Academic Honors each season.

In his final season, Dougherty recorded 187 kills in 26 matches, averaging 1.93 kills per set. He also led the Antelopes in blocks, registering 93 on the year. His 0.93 blocks per set led the team and was ranked 35th nationally. Dougherty also saw national prowess with his 0.428 hitting percentage, the eighth-best performance in the country. Dougherty concluded his collegiate playing career in 2014 following his senior season.