Shaw Names Christina Coleman as New Head Women's Volleyball and Softball Coach

RALEIGH, North Carolina – A new era in Shaw University women's volleyball and softball begins today as Christina Coleman has been named the fifth head coach to lead both the women's volleyball and softball program. Coleman, who spent last season as the head volleyball coach at Georgetown College and five seasons at the helm of Kentucky State University women's volleyball program brings a wealth of coaching experience and knowledge for both volleyball and softball.

"I am excited that we were able to recruit Christina Coleman to Shaw and I am confident that she will build upon the great tradition that has been established here at this great institution," said Director of Athletics Dr. Alfonza L. Carter. "Coach Coleman brings tremendous success on and off the playing fields as a head coach and I look forward to watching her lead our student-athletes to compete for championships as well as succeed within the classroom."

Coleman inherits a very successful women's volleyball program that went 27-5 overall a season ago, setting a program-best and a softball team that went to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference tournament for the first time in eight years last season. Coleman replaces former head coach DiShondra Goree who compiled a record of 71-43 at the helm for women's volleyball and a 35-106 mark in softball.

During her one-year stint at Georgetown, she guided the Lady Tigers to a 22-6 overall record and 11-3 mark in the Mid-South Conference (MSC). At Kentucky State, Coleman went 71-49 overall and an astounding 61-8 in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAC) with two tournament titles and berths into the NCAA National Tournament.

Coleman has a long list of accolades for both herself and her student-athletes. Coleman coached outside hitter Emily Grieshaber who was named the SIAC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons (2013-14). Coleman has coached eight All-SIAC Team members, six end of the year superlative recipients and seven members of the SIAC Championship All-Tournament team in her three seasons at KSU. In the classroom, Coleman's team at KSU had the highest GPA among all athletic programs at Kentucky State.

When Coleman took the reins of the Thorobrettes program, she was no stranger to success at Kentucky State. Coleman was a member of the Kentucky State volleyball and track & field teams from 2001-04. In her time as KSU, Coleman helped lead the volleyball team to three consecutive second place finishes at the SIAC Championship Tournament. From 2001-03, Coleman lead the team in digs and was second on the team in hitting percentage. She was a team captain and team MVP from 2001-02.

Coleman received her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Physical Education with a minor in Athletic Training and Coaching from Kentucky State in 2005. She went on to receive her Master's Degree in Special Education from KSU in 2010.

After graduating, Coleman began her coaching career as Assistant Varsity Coach at Scott County High in Georgetown, Ky. While at Scott County, Coleman coached a pair of All-Conference players and an All-City selection. After one season at Scott County Colman was named the Head Volleyball Coach and Assistant Track Coach at Bryan Station High School in Lexington, Ky. While at Bryan Station, she won three volleyball district titles, made an appearance in the second round regional, coached three All-Tournament District MVPs, two All-City selections and 1 All-State student-athlete. As an Assistant Track Coach at BSHS Coleman coached seven Kentucky State Champions, a pair of All-Americans, the 2010 KHSAA Girls State runner-ups and the 2012 KHSAA Boys State Champions. She spent one season as Assistant Varsity Coach at Tates Creek High School in Lexington, KY and posted an overall record of 17-1. Coleman also has experience with two successful club teams. She coached the Thoroughbred Elite Volleyball Alliance (TEVA) from 2008-10 and Lexington United Volleyball (LUV) Association (2011-12) under the legendary Chris Beerman.

Coleman has been an active member of American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) since 2007. She is also a member of the Alliance of Women's Coaches. In 2012, Coleman received the American Volleyball Coaches Association minority scholarship. Coleman has been the Co-Chair for SIAC Volleyball Coaches Committee since the 2013 season and during the 2014 season Coleman was nominated by the SIAC coaches and selected to serve on the NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball Regional Advisory Committee (RAC).

In addition to her regular coaching duties, Coleman has found time to volunteer in the community and to sharpen her coaching skills at some of the most elite volleyball camps in the country. She volunteered with Lexington Blazing Cats Track Club, worked several camps for Lexington United Volleyball. In 2010, Coleman founded and operated Track Club and Lextown Lightning. During the summer of 2013, she was selected to be a lead coach at the Hornet Volleyball Camp at Alabama State University. Also during that summer, she was a lead coach at Butler University's Nike Volleyball Camp.

Coleman has two sons Derion and Dakari Talbert.

For the most up-to-date information on Shaw women's volleyball and its 13 varsity sport teams, please visit www.shawbears.com.

SHAW UNIVERSITY BEARS SPORTS INFORMATION