LUBBOCK, Texas (January 21, 2026) — Lubbock Christian University announced the hiring of Tyler Neal as the new head coach of the Lady Chaparrals volleyball program, Director of Athletics Andrew Sorrells confirmed. Neal becomes the eighth head coach in program history and will begin working with the team in February.
 
Neal brings more than two decades of coaching, leadership and championship experience to LCU, highlighted by an accomplished playing career at Stanford and a highly successful high school coaching tenure in Texas. A former Stanford men's volleyball standout, Neal helped the Cardinal capture the 1997 NCAA national championship—Stanford's first men's volleyball title—winning a dramatic five-set final over UCLA in Columbus, Ohio. He later earned his law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law before transitioning into education and coaching.
 
"Tyler is exactly the kind of leader we were looking for," Sorrells said. "He brings the leadership, character, and competitive mindset we wanted for this program, along with a genuine commitment to developing young women on and off the court."
 
After a brief stint working in law in Los Angeles, Neal entered coaching and education, serving as head boys volleyball coach at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Calif., before relocating to Lubbock in 2006. He has spent the past two decades at Trinity Christian School, where he progressed into school administration while continuing to lead the volleyball program. Under Neal's direction, Trinity Christian won five TAPPS state championships (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019), reached at least the state semifinals six consecutive seasons, and earned multiple Lone Star Varsity Volleyball Coach of the Year honors. He was also named the TAPPS Class 4A Coach of the Year following a fourth consecutive state title.
 
Neal takes over a Lady Chaparrals program coming off a historic 2025 season, as LCU shared its first Lone Star Conference regular-season championship and earned the program's first NCAA postseason berth.
 
"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the head volleyball coach at Lubbock Christian University," Neal said. "The university's Christ-centered mission and commitment to excellence in all areas make it an exciting place to step into this next season of life. I truly believe this opportunity is from God, and I look forward with great anticipation to all that He has in store for LCU, the volleyball program, and my family."
 
Neal replaces Keith Giboney, who stepped down following the 2025 season after five years leading the Lady Chaparrals.
 
He plans to hire an assistant coach in the coming weeks and begin preparations for the 2026 season immediately. He and his wife, Brooke, have four children: Emerson (18), Griffin (16), Sawyer (12) and Collins (11).