Allison Jones-Olson enters her seventh year as the Columbia College head volleyball coach in the fall of 2025.
The 2023 campaign deemed the most successful with Jones-Olson at the helm, leading the squad to an AMC Tournament title, earning an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament, and eventually the final site in Sioux City, Iowa. The team claimed a 32-7 overall record, advancing to the Quarterfinals of the NAIA National Tournament.
In her six full years at Columbia, Jones-Olson has produced seven NAIA All-Americans, 37 All-Conference players, and was the AMC Coach of the Year twice. In 2022, she led the Cougars to a first place regular season finish, while winning the AMC Tournament in 2024.
Entering Fall 2025, she holds a 159-52 record with the Cougars.
Jones-Olson came to Columbia after spending six years as head women's volleyball coach at Central Methodist University (CMU) and having also served as the senior women's administrator for the last three years. She posted a six-season record of 153-65 while leading the Eagles, including a 32-8 record in 2018 and the program's first ever NAIA National Tournament appearance.
Prior to CMU Jones-Olson served as head coach at William Jewell College from 2004 through 2012 where she assisted the institution in the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II. She was named the Conference Volleyball Coach of the Year in 2005.
Jones-Olson held the position of head coach at Norbone High School in Norbone, Mo., in 2003 as well as serving at the helm of the Washburn University (Kan.) women's volleyball program from 1997-2002 and Westminster College (Mo.) from 1992-96. While at Westminster, Jones-Olson served as head coach of the volleyball, softball and women's basketball teams in addition to her duties as senior women's administrator. She was named the Saint Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Volleyball Coach of the Year in 1995.
Jones-Olson had an outstanding college career as a dual-sport athlete (volleyball and swimming) for fellow American Midwest Conference opponent William Woods University from 1987-90. She was a co-captain of the volleyball team for four seasons and ranked 20th in the NAIA in passing percentage in 1988. Jones-Olson was a member of the NAIA All-District Swim Team in 1987 and 1988.
Allison earned her Bachelor's degree from William Woods in 1990 and a Master's degree from Northwest Missouri State University in 1992.
Last updated 8-26-25
