Ellis Hired to Lead Southern Wesleyan University Volleyball Program
Chris Williams, director of athletics at Southern Wesleyan University, has announced that Jennifer Ellis has been hired as the volleyball program’s new head coach.
Ellis brings solid credentials with her to the volleyball program, having earned her master’s degree in counseling/human relations from Liberty University. She completed her undergraduate work at Mississippi University for Women where she was a defensive specialist/setter as a four-year starter. While at Mississippi University for Women, Ellis compiled 3,800 total assists and set a school record for assists in one match with 66.
Ellis brings with her experience at the Junior College and NAIA level as she previously served as head coach at Catawba Valley Community College during the 2006 and 2008 seasons. While at Catawba, she guided her team to a conference, a region and a district championship. Ellis helped lead her team to the elite eight in the nationals during her time at CVCC. During these two seasons, Ellis was named conference, region and district coach of the year.
In addition to her coaching experience at the junior college level, Ellis has most recently guided the volleyball program at Sterling College in Sterling, Kan. She was named Conference Coach of the Year after posting a 19-11 overall record and 13-5 mark in the KCAC. Sterling was picked to finish tenth in the 2009 preseason poll and completed the season in third place.
Southern Wesleyan’s athletics director said he is thrilled to have Ellis joining the staff.
“Getting a coach with Jennifer’s leadership and passion will continue in developing the volleyball program not only at the conference level, but national as well,” Williams said. “I am excited to bring her success at the junior college and NAIA level over the last few years to Southern Wesleyan University and look forward to seeing our volleyball program and department grow with her involvement here.”
Ellis will arrive on campus in early April and continue spring practice with the volleyball program in preparation for the 2010 season.