COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland volleyball head coach Adam Hughes announced today that assistant coach Kristin Carpenter-Steadman is leaving her position at Maryland after three years to pursue an opportunity with her husband, Clay, and children, Bruce and Lorelai. Additionally, Kyle Thompson – who served as volleyball's director of operations for the previous three seasons – will serve as interim assistant coach until a nationwide search is initiated.

"Today is a bittersweet day for our program," Hughes said. "Kristin was an integral part of us keeping our vision moving forward here at Maryland. While we're sad to see her go, we all understand the opportunities present themselves at unique times and this is a great opportunity for not only Kristin but her entire family. From all of us at Maryland, we wish them the best."

During her three seasons with the program, Carpenter-Steadman helped Maryland win 49 matches, including a program-best nine wins in Big Ten competition during the 2018 campaign. She was also vital in the development of setter Nicole Alford – who became the first Maryland setter to have a 1,000 assist season since 2011 – and libero Allegra Rivas, who led the conference in digs/set in 2018 and earned Big Ten defensive player of the week honors three times.

"I want to start by saying thank you to Damon Evans and the University of Maryland's athletic department for letting me coach at the Big Ten level," Carpenter-Steadman said. "It's been a dream come true to coach in the best conference in the country. To my girls, you will always be my girls. I hope you know how much you mean to me. I cannot wait to see how you continue to grow into such strong and caring women. Just as I've always promised, I will only be a phone call away. To everyone who has hung out with Bruce in the stands, high fived him in the hallway, let him play with your dog, or given him the best candy in your office, thank you. It means the world to Clay and me that you all care so much for our family.

"To AJ and Kyle, thanks for putting up with not one but TWO of my pregnancies and mood swings. I honor your intelligence, creativity, and work ethics so much. Lastly, I want to thank Adam for letting me be such a big part of his vision for Maryland Volleyball. It has been an absolute honor to see you transform into a fantastic leader, father, husband, and friend over the last fifteen years."

As an assistant with the Terps, Carpenter-Steadman played a major role in recruiting the 2020 class of Sydney Dowler, Sam Csire, and Laila Ricks – ranked 19th in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com – as well as the 2019 class of Rebekah Rath, Lexy Finnerty, and Cara Lewis. Dowler, Csire, and Ricks all earned PrepVolleyball Senior Ace honors, while Dowler becomes just the 10th Under Armour All-American to commit to Maryland in program history.

Thompson will now serve as interim assistant coach after joining the staff for the 2017 season. Thompson, who has operations experience with three Division I programs, will serve in an assistant coaching capacity for the first time in his career. 

"We're very fortunate to have someone on staff as talented as Kyle," Hughes said. "He has a background in sports administration, and as our director of operations, he's elevated our student-athlete experience ever since he stepped foot on campus. During the last few years, Kyle has graciously filled in during periods where we had a staff member on leave, so this transition is not only a great one for our program but should be seamless for this season. While we'll begin our national search for an assistant coach, we're incredibly thankful Kyle is willing to serve multiple duties during this transition."

The Huntsville, Texas, native holds a Master's of Education in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership from the University of Washington. He completed his dual degrees of B.A. in International Studies as well as B.B.A. in International Business from Texas Lutheran University. A nationwide search for the position will be conducted at a later date.