Thursday, May 29, 2014

Alabama A&M names Rose Powell Volleyball Coach

ROSE MAGERS-POWELL
Courtesy: AAMU Athletics
 
NORMAL, Alabama -- The Director of Athletics at Alabama A&M University Bryan Hicks has named Rose Magers-Powell, head volleyball coach at Alabama A&M.

A native of Big Springs, Texas, she attended the University of Houston, earning awards such as Most Improved, Best Spiker, and Most Valuable Player of the Southwest Conference. She was a member of the 1984 US Olympic Volleyball team winning the Silver Medal, the highest finishing women's team in United States history.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Powell to the Bulldog family as head volleyball coach," Hicks said. "Her experience as a student-athlete, coach and community leader will continue to enhance our proud volleyball program."

Prior to her tenure at the helm of the RedHawks program. Powell, having one of the finest volleyball careers in American history, has applied her magic to local schools, camps, and collegiate programs. Through her coaching career at Martin Methodist, she has compiled a 367-279 overall record and entered 2013 ranked 11
th in the NAIA in total wins among active coaches.

"Her expertise, high level of competition as a player, and winning attitude will be instrumental in expanding our brand in the volleyball community," commented Hicks.

Following her collegiate stint, Rose played for two years on the USA National Team. During those two years, Rose helped the team achieve a Silver Medal at the Super Three Tournament (China, Japan and USA), a Gold Medal at the Pan American Games, a Bronze Medal at the World Championships, and a Gold Medal at the NORCECA Games.

She played nine years (1984-1993) in Japan as a professional player/coach. During this time she was a three-time MVP, six-time Best Spiker, one-time Best Blocker, and six-time Most Point Maker in the league.

"I am honored to have been given the opportunity to lead a well-respected and proven volleyball program like Alabama A&M," Powell said.

"I would like to thank Mr. Hicks for trusting me and believing in the vision and philosophy that I will bring to the program. As anyone around here knows, the passion and history of volleyball in this area is the best in the country. To be a part of it is truly special."

Before accepting the head coaching position at Martin Methodist, she coached at Lee High School in Huntsville for four years. While there, she compiled a record of 108-50 and was ranked in the top 10 among volleyball coaches in the state.

In her first year at Martin Methodist, she was voted by her peers as the 1996 TranSouth Conference Coach of the Year. Under her guidance, Martin Methodist has turned their volleyball program into greatness. They have competed in numerous TranSouth Conference Tournament Finals and NAIA Regional Tournaments.

During the 2005 season she guided her team to the school's first-ever volleyball TransSouth Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championships and first NAIA Region XI Final, thus earning her recognition as the TSAC Coach of the Year for the second time in her career. She also had two players selected as NAIA All-Americans.

In recognition of her brilliant volleyball career, in 2007 Rose was honored as the recipient of the most prestigious award available to volleyball players. She was named to the All-Time Great Volleyball Player Award – an award that has been bestowed upon fewer than 100 players, both men and women.

Most recently, she was able to finish her education, by completing her studies and receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from Martin Methodist College in 2000. She now makes her home with her husband, Harry, and two sons, William and Brandon, in Huntsville, Alabama.


COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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