(Story courtesy of University of Ozarks Athletics Communications)
CLARKSVILLE, Ark. – Natalia Burdulis has been named the head coach of University of the Ozarks newest sport, women's volleyball, it was announced Thursday, January 23 by the athletic department.
"We are thrilled to hire a quality coach and person to start our volleyball program," said athletic director Dr. Sergio Molina. "She understands and values the NCAA Division III student-athlete experience as a former athlete herself. She is passionate about developing our student-athletes on and off the court. Her depth and knowledge of the sport stood out during the hiring process. She is a great fit, having the experience, vision and enthusiasm, to build our volleyball program."
Burdulis, a native of Maple Valley, Washington, comes to Ozarks with a wealth of collegiate experience at the NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III level as well as extensive experience at the club and high school ranks. Burdulis most recently coached at NCAA II Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico, where the program produced two Academic All-District performers and the team earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association team academic award.
"I am beyond excited and thankful for the opportunity to start the volleyball program at University of the Ozarks," said Burdulis. "Especially in a community that is so welcoming and ready for volleyball. I believe bringing in strong young women to set the foundation for the program and grow the game in Arkansas is such a privilege."
Burdulis appreciates what Ozarks offers its student-athletes.
"Having a close knit community on campus, as well as having small class sizes and professors that want the absolute best for you is very special," she said. "Coming from a small NCAA III school myself, you are a unique and wonderful Ozarks Eagle and not just a number on campus – and that is such a wonderful feeling and one that is near and dear to my heart."
Prior to Eastern New Mexico University, Burdulis was an assistant coach at NCAA II Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, during the 2023 season. There, she coached three All-Conference players and five others on the conference All-Academic Team. She also was the assistant coach at her alma mater, NCAA III Pacific University (Ore.), for two seasons. In her first season at Pacific, she helped the team to one of its best conference records to begin a season (6-2) before the COVID pandemic ended competition. Pacific followed that season with another winning conference record under her tutelage.
Her coaching philosophy focuses on the person first.
"I am more interested in the growth of the person, the student, and finally the athlete," she said. "I believe that volleyball is the method to mentor and empower young women towards reaching their goals and becoming the best version of themselves."
She wants to build a team that competes every match.
"I am excited to bring in competitors," she said. "I want young women who want to do the extra, compete every day and earn their spot while making their team better. I am looking for the best teammates to build a strong foundation, using Respect, Discipline, and Work Ethic. We will run a fast-paced offense, with the mentality of fighting for every point. We will strive to be the best serving team as well as pride ourselves in disciplined defense."
Burdulis began her coaching career at Southridge High School in Beaverton, Oregon, as the head coach. Burdulis was a club coach at the Idaho Crush for nearly two years while serving as the assistant coach at Skyview High School in Nampa, Idaho.
A standout collegiate player, Burdulis played four seasons at Pacific where she finished among the program's all-time leaders in highest attack percentage in a single season. She helped the 2018 team accumulate 1218 kills, third-most in program history.
She graduated from Pacific with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 2019.
Ozarks will compete in its inaugural season of volleyball in the upcoming 2025 fall semester. The Eagles are a member of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
