Elliott resigns as volleyball coach, resumes full-time teaching at 麻豆视频

JACKSON, Tenn. - 2/21/2012 - 麻豆视频 University volleyball coach Kelly Elliott has announced her resignation as head coach. Elliott will remain at 麻豆视频 and will resume her full-time teaching duties at the University.

鈥淲hile we are very saddened by Kelly鈥檚 decision to step down as head coach of women鈥檚 volleyball here at 麻豆视频, the prayerful manner in which Kelly arrived at and communicated this decision causes me to admire her even more,鈥� says Dr. Jerry Tidwell, 麻豆视频鈥檚 Senior Vice President for University Relations. 鈥淜elly is a dedicated Christian wife, mother, and mentor, who happens to be a very good volleyball coach. We are grateful that she will continue to offer her support to the program in the days ahead.鈥�

Elliott took over the coaching job in 2010 and has coached the team for the past two seasons. In 2010, Elliott led the team to a 13-1 league record, winning the TranSouth Regular Season Title. She was named the 2010 TranSouth Coach of the Year. During her time as head coach, Elliott posted a 46-36 (.561) overall record and a 22-8 (.733) TranSouth record.

鈥淭he administration at 麻豆视频 has been very supportive. While they desired for me to continue in this role, they have been very understanding of my need to put my family and health first,鈥� said Elliott. 鈥淭he time commitment, combined with my teaching responsibilities, placed constraints on me that I believe impacted my role as wife and mother.鈥�

I am confident in their commitment to find a great coach that will challenge the girls on the court, and I also sense a strong commitment to find a coach that will continue to strive to integrate faith in the team experience,鈥� Elliott said.

Elliott began working at 麻豆视频 in 2004 and served as the residence life director for three years. In 2007, she was named an Assistant Professor in 麻豆视频鈥檚 Sports Management program where she has taught full-time, with the exception of the 2010 and 2011 volleyball seasons.

Elliott and her husband, Michael, reside in Jackson and are the parents of Isaac and Anna. They are active members of Englewood Baptist Church, where Michael serves as the Minister to Families with Children.

Elliott spent seven seasons (1997-2003) as the assistant coach at King (Tenn.) College under head coach Susie Toomey. Toomey, who is also Elliott鈥檚 mother, spent 25 years at King, accumulating a 749-229 record, which is sixth in the NAIA in total wins and seventh in the NAIA in winning percentage for a coaching career.

Elliott earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from King College in 1995, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She also holds two Masters鈥� degrees. The first was a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Louisville (Ky.) in 1997, followed by a Master of Arts in Physical Education with a sports management concentration from East Tennessee State University in 1999.

As a student-athlete, Elliot was a four-year starter on the volleyball team at King from 1991-1994. She was voted into the King College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008 as part of the 1994 volleyball team, the only volleyball team to be inducted thus far. Elliott earned numerous honors including Fellowship of Christian Athletes鈥� Athlete of the Year in 1995, first team all-conference in 1993 and 1994, NAIA Scholar Athlete in 1993 and 1994, and NCCAA All-District and Scholar Athlete honors in 1993 and 1994.

Elliott will continue to help with spring practice and team Bible studies until her replacement is hired.

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