Yilmaz, who served the past two seasons as associate head coach at FAMU, has fashioned an impressive resume replete with volleyball playing, teaching and coaching experiences from both overseas and in the United States.
A native of Istabul, Turkey, Yilmaz has compiled a 284-137 career record as a collegiate coach, good for an excellent .680 winning percentage, utilizing his skills as a teacher/trainer in volleyball, as well as using his wealth of contacts in the international volleyball community in recruiting.
Yilmaz served one season (2014-15) as head coach at UNC Charlotte, leading the 49ers to 17 wins, the most in eight years, while leading the team to its first conference tournament appearance in five years – a team built around nine new recruits he signed for that first season.
Prior to that, he spent seven seasons as associate head coach, training coordinator and main recruiter for nearby Florida State University (2008-14),
While at Florida State, Yilmaz landed the nation’s No. 3 recruiting class in 2012, helping the Seminoles to a sizzling 154-41 record, featuring five NCAA Tournament appearances (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), highlighted by a 2011 Final Four berth, a 2009 Elite Eight spot and a 2013 Sweet Sixteen berth.
Yilmaz’s collegiate resume also includes stints as an Assistant Coach at the University of Arkansas (Spring 2005, 2007-08); Northwood University (2005-07 – 2005 regional semifinalist), Cameron University (2003-05 – two-time conference finalist), and Western New Mexico University (2002-03).
He began his coaching career in his native Turkey as a club coach (Eczacibasi Sports Club) in 1995-96, before working the next six years coaching club, high school and middle school teams, most of which achieved national, regional and city honors.
In his six seasons prior to starting his collegiate career, Yilmaz led his charges to two national championships, and four other finals appearances, and all of his teams earned berths in the Turkish National Tournament.
Yilmaz holds a Bachelor’s in Eastern European Studies from Istanbul University (2002), and a Master’s in Sports Psychology from Cameron University (2005).
He also completed a Volleyball Coaching course in 1999, and completed a first degree Volleyball Coaching course in Istanbul in 2000.
Additionally, he has attended numerous volleyball seminars, covering lifting (strength and conditioning) in volleyball, nutrition, kinesiology and skill perfection training.
His playing career in the sport was rather extensive, as he played for his high school team from 1989-95, while also playing for two sports clubs: Eczacibasi SC (1991-95), and Besiktas SC (1994-95).