MURFREESBORO, North Carolina - The Chowan University Department of Athletics announced today Makini Thompson as the new head coach for volleyball. Thompson comes to Chowan with a diverse playing and coaching background. Thompson will serve as the program's third head coach since transitioning to NCAA DII status in 2006. She replaces Peter Green, who resigned his position as head coach in March.
"I am very honored to be chosen for this position and looking forward to moving and getting started at Chowan," stated Thompson.
Thompson will have the task of taking over a program that has claimed two CIAA Championships in three seasons (2009, 2010). The team will return four All-CIAA players from a year ago to help Thompson on her new quest. This will be Thompson's first collegiate head coaching position.
"We are excited to have a vibrant and enthusiastic coach take over the Chowan volleyball program," stated Meredith Long, Deputy Athletics Director. "We are confidant that she will continue with the winning tradition that volleyball program is known for, dating back to the junior college days."
Thompson has a diverse playing and coaching background, which includes international and professional play.
"I can't wait to get to know the girls and continue the winning tradition," stated Thompson.
A 6'-0" outside hitter, Thompson enjoyed three superb seasons at Florida State University from 2005-2007. In 2006, she became the first Florida State player to earn All-AVCA honors as a junior when she collected an honorable mention nod.
Thompson recorded more than 1,200 kills during her three-year stint with the Seminoles, the 21st player in school history to reach 1,000. For her efforts, Thompson collected a First Team All-ACC award in 2006, as well as a Second Team All-ACC selection as a senior in 2007.
In 2008, Thompson played professionally for Langenthal VBC in Switzerland. She is also a member of the Jamaican Senior National team and competed in last year's Caribbean Championships in Suriname, where she helped the Jamaicans take fifth place.
During the 2010 season, Thompson served as a co-coach of Smash 18, the top-ranked club team in New England. Smash won the Great Nor'Easter and Mizuno Winterfest Tournaments and represented New England at the USAV Nationals in Reno. She also has club experience with the North Florida Volleyball Academy (2005-2008).
Following graduation from Florida State University in 2008, Thompson served three seasons as the head volleyball coach for Robert F. Monroe High School. She accumulated a 49-28 record while at RFM High School. She also served as the Coordinator for Communities in Schools, Inc. where she helped foster at-risk youth in the community.
In 2011, Thompson served as a volunteer assistant coach at Virginia Commonwealth University. She worked with the outside hitters where the team led the CAA in hitting percentage and blocking.
This past fall Thompson was selected to participate in the AVCA Minority Coaching Program which was held at the 2011 AVCA Convention.
Thompson has had strong coaching influences over her volleyball career but attributes her biggest influences to the Jamaican National Team coaches.
"My biggest coaching influences have been the coaches in Jamaica who have little to no resources to help them but give so much of their time and knowledge without a second thought," Thompson said.
Thompson will begin her tenure at Chowan in May and will prepare to lead her new team onto the court in August. They will open the season with the 5th Annual Janet Collins Invitational on August 31st.
COURTESY CHOWAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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