DALLAS (SMU) - As the Mustangs prepare for the 2026 season, head coach Sam Erger has announced the promotion of Christa Branson to Director of Player Personnel/Recruiting Coordinator and the return of Clayton Bristow to the staff as a full-time Assistant Coach.     

"Promoting Christa and bringing Clayton back as full-time assistant coach are massive wins for SMU," said Erger. "We are pairing that momentum by introducing Christa as our program's inaugural Director of Player Personnel and Recruiting Coordinator—a role designed to spearhead our most impactful, athlete-centered initiatives. Our administration's incredible backing allows us to aggressively adapt to the modern collegiate landscape. SMU is one of few in the country investing in volleyball in this way, ensuring our players are fully equipped to thrive both on and off the court."   

Branson enters her fifth season on the Hilltop, serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the past three seasons.   

After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Bristow was hired as an assistant coach for the Dallas Pulse, the newly formed Major League Volleyball (MLV) franchise, where in May, he helped the organization win the 2026 league title in its inaugural season. Bristow has been in a voluntary assistant coach role since 2022.  

"After years of dedicated volunteer service here, Clayton just helped guide the Dallas Pulse to a Major League Volleyball Championship," said Erger. "The elite pro experience he now has will directly benefit our athletes striving for the professional ranks."