New coach, new energy for Tulane volleyball 

When Derek “Dex” Schroeder walked into his first team meeting as Tulane University’s new women’s volleyball coach in January, he expected a simple introduction. Instead, he found a room filled not just with student-athletes but with an entire support system, from communications staff to trainers and more.  

Having coached at smaller programs, Schroeder was accustomed to having to manage everything on his own. “The level of support here is just different,” he said. “I’d catch myself getting up to handle something and then remember that someone here was already taking care of it.” 

With the start of the 2026 season just a few months away in August, that level of support has allowed Schroeder to focus on his players and a coaching approach that led to five conference titles and two NCAA tournament appearances at other schools.

Coming from Jacksonville State University and previously leading programs at Mercer College and Samford University, Schroeder has built a career on winning through a coaching philosophy that centers on a fast, aggressive style of play coupled with high volleyball IQ.  

“To play the way we want, you have to be intelligent,” he said. “I like coaching players who understand the ‘why’ behind what we’re doing. When they get it, they buy in.” 

It’s one of the reasons Tulane stood out when the opportunity arose.  

“A private school, high academics, in New Orleans. That checked a lot of boxes,” he said. 

At a time when the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) are reshaping college athletics, Schroeder believes Tulane’s academic reputation remains a powerful draw. While top players in the American Conference are often recruited by larger programs, he sees Tulane offering something different. 

“We’re selling balance,” he said. “You’re going to get a great education and compete at a high level. That matters.” 

Schroeder arrives at Tulane as volleyball is experiencing a surge in popularity nationwide. Increased television exposure, growing attendance and the emergence of professional leagues have all contributed to the sport’s rise. 

“Young players now have role models at every level,” he said. “They’re seeing the game played fast and aggressively, and they want to be part of it.” 

A native of Windsor, Ontario, Schroeder was introduced to volleyball at age 9. He loved the sport — and was good at it — but never considered coaching as a career. That is, until a coaching friend of his encouraged him to give it a try. His first stint as a volunteer assistant at Ole Miss convinced him to pursue coaching professionally.  

From Ole Miss, he went to Furman College as an assistant coach, then to St. Louis University where, as an assistant, he helped lead the Billikens to a 23-7 record. His success on the court led to head coaching positions at Samford, Mercer and Jacksonville State. 

“His extensive head coaching experience and proven leadership on the court will be invaluable as we pursue our goals,” said Director of Athletics and the Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Chair David Harris, in announcing Schroeder’s hire. “We believe his track record of success will inspire our student-athletes and elevate our program to new heights.”

The Green Wave plays its home matches in the Avron B. Fogelman Arena at Devlin Fieldhouse, a setting that Schroeder hopes will draw the New Orleans community, especially youngsters who aspire to be volleyball players themselves.  

“Bring your kids,” he said. “What you’re going to see is young women who are playing fast, playing aggressively, communicating and working hard. They’re hyper-focused on being as successful on the court as they can possibly be. They’re also hyper-focused on academics. They’re just great role models.”