MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois University has announced the hiring of Mari Silva as the next head coach of its women's volleyball program.
"I''m grateful to Paul Bubb and the Western Illinois athletic department for the opportunity to lead this program. I'm excited to get started with this group of young women who seem hungry to grow and committed to getting better every day' said New Head Volleyball Coach Mari Silva.
Silva comes to Macomb after spending the past four seasons at Towson University, where she most recently helped guide the Tigers to a 21–7 overall record during the 2025 season. In her most recent year on staff, Silva worked closely with defensive specialists, liberos and setters while contributing to the team's offensive system. Her work helped produce multiple All-Colonial Athletic Association selections, including Sydney Stewart, who was named the CAA Libero of the Year and earned All-CAA Second Team honors. Middle blocker Erin Brothers and outside hitter/opposite Ella Sanders also earned All-CAA Second Team recognition.
"Mari's experience, especially as a collegiate player, I saw as a valuable asset for her," said Western Illinois Athletic Director Paul Bubb. "When coupled with her coaching experience at a very successful mid-major program like Towson, it just felt like the right fit for what we need here at Western at this time."
Prior to her time at Towson, Silva spent one season as an assistant coach at Missouri Southern State University. She also gained club coaching experience with the Northern Virginia Volleyball Association, where she served as a full-time coach and interim technical director. Her collegiate coaching background includes time as a volunteer coach at George Mason University and two years as a graduate assistant coach at Valdosta State University.
As a student-athlete, Silva competed for two seasons at Florida International University. As a junior, she led the Panthers in assists and service aces while ranking among the top blockers in Conference USA. She transitioned to the middle blocker position as a senior and finished second on the team in total blocks while leading FIU in blocks per set. Before transferring to FIU, Silva played at Pratt Community College in Kansas, where she earned All-Conference honors and was named to the KJCAC All-Tournament Team as a sophomore.
A native of São José dos Campos, Brazil, Silva earned her bachelor's degree in recreation and sport management from Florida International University. She also received her masters in exercise physiology from Valdosta State.
Photo Credit: Towson University
