College Football Preview 2018: Mississippi Valley Delta Devils

Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils

#Head coach: Vincent Dancy (First year)

#2017 record: 2-9 overall, 1-6 SWAC East

#Outlook and Prediction

#After last season, Mississippi Valley State University cut ties with head coach Rick Comegy in November 2017. It was not an unexpected move, as he had a 6-38 record in his four seasons at the helm of the program.

#MVSU named Vincent Dancy as interim coach before giving him the full-time position in December 2017. He inherits what might be the toughest job in college football. The team has not had a winning season since its back-to-back successes in 2005 and 2006.

#However, the Delta Devils do have something that rival JSU does not: Preseason All-SWAC players, such as star receiver Quinn McElfresh. MVSU will be better if the offense can become more consistent. The team used three quarterbacks last year and couldn't run, finishing with negative-103 rushing yards.

#The schedule is tough, with out-of-conference games against the University of North Dakota, Bethune-Cookman University, Jacksonville State University and Hampton University. 

#

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College Football Preview 2018: Alcorn State Braves

Alcorn State University Braves

#Head coach: Fred McNair (12-11 overall, all at ASU, entering third season)

2017 record: 7-5 overall, 6-2 SWAC East

#Outlook and Prediction

#Alcorn State should have a reload season instead of a rebuild. The Braves have 11 Preseason All-SWAC players. Only Grambling State University had more selections. First Team Preseason All-SWAC quarterback Noah Johnson 
returns this season with Preseason Offensive Player of the Year P.J. Simmons to run the ball.

#The offensive line should be good, as well, with 
offensive linemen Mustaffa Ibrahim, Deonte Brooks and Kevin Hall helping to open holes in the running game and 
provide quarterback protection. Linebackers Trae Ferrell and Solomon Muhammad should lead in organizing the unit. Defensive lineman Sterling Shippy will be the focus, with defensive back Brady Smith leading the secondary.

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College Football Preview 2018: Jackson State Tigers

Jackson State University Tigers

##Head coach: Tony Hughes (6-16 overall, all at JSU entering third season)

2017 record: 3-8 overall, 3-5 SWAC

#Radio: 95.5 FM

#Stadium: Veterans Memorial Stadium

#2017 Recap

#Year two under coach Tony Hughes started out with a seven-game losing streak. JSU had some close losses but didn't earn a win until its 24-5 victory over Mississippi Valley State University in late October. The Tigers lost their next game 3-13 to Alabama State University.

#The season highlights were narrow back-to-back wins against Alabama A&M University and East champion Alcorn.

#A lack of offense was the Tigers' biggest problem. JSU averaged just 12.7 points per game, and only scored 20-plus points three times. That put pressure on the defense all season long.

#Season Overview

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FAMU Volleyballers Open 2018 Season Friday At FIU

FAMU 2018 VB ROSTER

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The 2018 FAMU Women’s Volleyball season opens Friday in Miami, as the Rattler Women will compete in the Florida International University (FIU) Volleyball Invitational at Panther Arena.

FAMU will begin the 2018 campaign under new leadership, after the university appointed veteran volleyball coach and teacher, Gokhan Yilmaz, to take the reins of the program this past spring.

Yilmaz, whose resume includes a head coaching stint at UNC Charlotte, and a lengthy run as Associate Head Coach at cross town Florida State, along with years of experience working at the youth level as a coach and instructor in volleyball.

The new coach will have several returning veterans to work with in 2018, and a group of talented newcomers that hopefully will offset the loss of two-time All-MEAC outside hitter Nicole Abreu, and one of the league’s top rookies from 2017, middle blocker Candelaria Herrera.

Heading the list of returning veterans for FAMU will be a pair of 2018 preseason All-MEAC selections, senior libero Valentina Carrasco (Lima, Peru) and junior outside hitter Maria Yvett Garcia (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) were were named to the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Preseason All-Star Volleyball team announced on Friday, August 10.

@ Carrasco, who was a member of the Peruvian 18-and Under National team in in 2015, played all 99 sets for FAMU in 2017, leading the club with 446 total digs, good for a 4.51 per set average.

@ Garcia, who was a member of the bronze medal winning Dominican Republic Under 21 National team which played in the 2015 World Championships, led the club with 301 kills, good for a 3.04 per set average.

She also led FAMU in service aces (24), finished third in digs (243), while finishing with 37 total blocks a year ago.

Also returning are Nair Canessa, a 6-1 senior middle (Lima, Peru); 5-10 graduate outside hitter Pamela Soriano (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic); the Dimitrova twins, 6-2 junior outside Radka, and 6-1 junior setter Elena (Sofia, Bulgaria); along with 5-10 redshirt sophomore outside hitter Alexis Gosha (Apopka, Fla.), who sat out last season due to injury.

Yilmaz welcomes a quartet of new faces to the FAMU fold this fall, headed by a pair of sophomore transfers, 5-6 libero Jessa Long (Dixon, Ill.) who transferred from Marshall University, and 6-0 middle/outside Karina Pressoir (Orlando, Fla.), who came in from Johnson C. Smith University.

Rounding out the Fab Four are a pair of freshmen, 5-8 outside hitter Kalen Blathers from Tallahassee’s Rickards High School, and Jatia Littles, a 6-1 middle blocker from Gainesville (Fla.) High School.

THE FIU TOURNEY SLATE

FAMU opens the weekend Friday at 2:00 p.m. against Tennessee State, followed by a 6:00 p.m. bout against host FIU.

Saturday, FAMU closes out the first weekend with a 12 noon duel against Stetson (Fla.) University.

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Howard Bison Men Soccer Wins Sun Belt Conference Academic Team Award

HU 2018 ROSTER

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana – The Sun Belt Conference (SBC) revealed its team GPA winners where the Howard University Men's Soccer team was honored. The announcement came Wednesday morning.

The awards honor the teams with the top cumulative team grade point average in each of the sponsored sports within the Sun Belt from the 2017-18 academic year. Collectively, the Bison posted a 3.30 GPA during the 2017-18 campaign.

"When I took over the program, my first goal was having academic success," said Howard Men's Soccer Head Coach Phillip Gyau. "My second goal is winning, and we have a great chance in doing both this year."

Overall, 119 programs on the list registered a GPA of at least 3.0; with the overall highest team GPA coming from Coastal Carolina's women's tennis team, which posted a 3.88 GPA for the 2017-18 academic year.

To view the entire 2017-18 SBC Team GPA winners, please Click Here.

Howard opens its 15-match regular season slate in our Nation's Capital against Bryant (Aug. 24). Match time is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Greene Stadium.

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

Deeper NCCU Volleyball Squad Eyes Stronger Play in 2018

2018 ROSTER

DURHAM, North Carolina — Third-year head coach Jody Brown has added eight newcomers to a roster that only lost one graduate to strengthen the North Carolina Central University volleyball team for its upcoming 2018 season that begins on Friday, Aug. 24.
 
The Lady Eagles have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Volleyball Championship each of the last two years, but they are still looking for their first postseason win at the NCAA Division I ranks. NCCU has won nearly half of its matches in the MEAC Southern Division (9-11) since Brown has been guiding the Lady Eagles. However, NCCU has struggled to get in the win column when playing non-MEAC opposition. A deeper roster at practices is expected to make the whole team more competitive and help NCCU's chances in non-conference play and in the postseason. 
 
Whitney White highlights a senior class of four. The middle blocker has been NCCU's team MVP each of the last two seasons. White has played in all 76 matches over her first three seasons with the maroon and gray. She is coming off a strong junior season in which she led the Lady Eagles with 2.24 kills/set, 188 total kills, 61 total blocks and a .279 hitting percentage.
 
NCCU's other three seniors are defensive specialist/libero Bree Simmons, outside hitter/libero Erika Ianovale and outside hitter Kierra Shipman. Simmons and Shipman join White as four-year letter winners in 2018.
 
Simmons has anchored NCCU's defense for each of the last two seasons as the primary libero. She ranked eighth in the MEAC with 3.49 digs/set. She has also led the Lady Eagles in service aces each of her first three seasons. Ianovale transferred to NCCU last season and contributed over one kill and one dig per set in her first year with the Lady Eagles. She is expected to see more time on defense this year to help aid Simmons and sophomore Braxton Wright.
 
NCCU returns four of its top five blockers from a year ago with sophomore McKayla Young following White with 0.48 blocks/set in her first season. Fellow sophomores Da'Nesha Miller (0.43) and Christine Alcox (0.30) also contributed well on the front-line defense. This quartet will be strengthened by a pair of freshmen in Morgan Goodwin and Ammaarah Williams.
 
The coaching staff believes blocking will be one of the Lady Eagles' biggest strengths this year, while serving and serve receive will be NCCU's biggest areas of improvement.
 
Offensively, NCCU had five players back that averaged over one kill per set. Miller and Alcox had solid rookie seasons, averaging 2.02 and 1.86 kills per set and they were followed by Shipman (1.66) and Ianovale (1.04). Young and junior Kennedy White also return as offensive options. However, NCCU's attack only hit .120 for the season. That rate is expected to increase with more competition for travel spots on the attack with the addition of transfer Jessica Pilivi as well as three freshmen in Estfania Louis, Arlanda Faulkner and Hana Lee and having the potential to crack the lineup.
 
The biggest change fans will see on the court is the departure of its starting setter in Paige Phillips, who will be able to provide leadership to a couple freshman setters as a graduate assistant coach in 2018. Phillips joins Brown and third-year assistant Emma Celentano on the coaching staff.
 
Celene Morris and Isis Mitchell are the newbie setters tasked with taking over the vacancy left by Phillips, who ranked fifth in the MEAC with 7.65 assists per set last year. The rookie duo may compete for playing time in a continued 5-1 lineup rotation format for the Lady Eagles or NCCU may transition to a 6-2 system to give both players more experience as they improve at the collegiate level. 
 
The biggest challenge for Brown, Celentano and Phillips is getting and keeping the individuals and team in the athletic culture and mindset at all times, allowing each and every player the opportunity to prove themselves when their opportunities arrive.
 
NCCU has a total of 17 players on its team, which gives the squad a full rotation on both sides of the court in practices. That will make competition stronger daily, which is then expected to make match play the most competitive yet for the Lady Eagles under Brown.
 
NCCU is picked to finish fourth out of six teams in the 2018 MEAC Preseason Poll – the same position its finished each of the last two seasons. However, the Lady Eagles look to contend and prove the prognosticators wrong.
 
The Lady Eagles are scheduled to complete in a few more matches in 2018 with 27 regular season contested slated. NCCU opens up its season with three matches at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Friday-Saturday, Aug. 24-25. Fans of the maroon and gray can follow NCCU volleyball all season on NCCUEaglePride.com.

NCCU Partners with Teamworks to Power Student-Athlete Success

DURHAM, North Carolina -- Teamworks, the leading athlete engagement platform for collegiate and professional organizations, is pleased to announce a partnership with the North Carolina Central University athletics department. NCCU will leverage Teamworks' technology to more deeply engage student-athletes to drive success in the classroom and competition.

"As a former student-athlete and coach, I know the immeasurable value of a well-connected team, and Teamworks is an ideal partner to better engage every member of our department," said Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree, NCCU Director of Athletics. "Teamworks is a seamless way to ensure our student-athletes all have access to the resources needed to soar in all aspects of their lives."

NCCU joins Morgan State as Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference institutions to partner with Teamworks to power the entire athletics department by better connecting student-athletes, coaches and administrators. Through a recently redesigned app, users can easily communicate and access information from any device.

"We're excited to partner with NCCU to enhance the experience of every student-athlete," said Zach Maurides, CEO and Founder of Teamworks. "By eliminating logistical headaches with Teamworks, the Eagles will be able to focus on enriching their winning culture."

With more than 2,300 clients globally, including some of the biggest names in sports, Teamworks sets the standard as the leading athlete engagement software. Built upon the core values of honesty, humility, hard work, commitment, innovation and exceptionalism, Teamworks is dedicated to streamlining communications and operations to enable elite athletic organizations to more deeply connect their athletes, coaches and staff. Through its revolutionary cost- and time-saving mobile collaboration platform, Teamworks empowers collegiate and professional teams, conferences, national governing bodies and professional organizations to enhance their winning cultures.

About Teamworks
Teamworks is the leading athlete engagement software, empowering more than 2,300 clients around the world to better connect and collaborate by simplifying their internal processes. Based in Durham, North Carolina, and founded in 2004, Teamworks has doubled in both revenue and people for four years in a row. The company continues to invest heavily in technology and expand the team to respond to the increasing customer demand. Organizations that depend on Teamworks to create a culture of communication and accountability include more than 1,700 NCAA Division I programs including every Autonomous Conference institution; professional teams in the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL; collegiate and professional conferences; and national governing bodies. Visit www.teamworks.com for more information.

About North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University prepares students to succeed in the global marketplace. Consistently ranked as a top Historically Black College or University, NCCU offers flagship programs in the sciences, education, law, business, nursing and the arts. Founded in 1910, NCCU remains committed to diversity in and access to higher education. Our alumni excel in a wide variety of academic and professional fields. Visit www.nccu.edu.

Two-year, $510,000 grant lets Wake Forest, Winston-Salem State continue concussion studies

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- A two-year grant worth about $510,000 will let Wake Forest and Winston-Salem State universities continue taking part in an NCAA and U.S. Department of Defense concussion study begun in 2016.

The universities were among the original 13 participating institutions, a field that has since expanded to 30.

The NCAA-Department of Defense Concussion Assessment, Research and Education Consortium studies concussions and repetitive head impacts on student athletes. The Department of Defense study is examining the same effects on service members.

Work began in 2016 to establish baseline data through screenings of athletes and cheerleaders and then to track them through follow-up evaluations for anyone who might have suffered a concussion. Researchers are collecting saliva samples of people with and without concussions to determine if there is any difference in their DNAs.

Wake Forest's Dr. Christopher Miles and WSSU's Dr. Laura Linter –– both are sports medicine physicians and assistant professors –– have led the study for their universities.

Winston-Salem State University, in addition to being the only historically black college or university to participate in the study, fields 10 varsity teams across the sphere of Division II sports.

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Texas Southern Interim athletics director role to be filled by Assistant AD Kevin Granger

Kevin Granger

HOUSTON, Texas -- Kevin Granger, currently serving as TSU’s assistant athletic director, will take over as interim athletic director immediately, as the university conducts a national search for McClelland’s replacement. Granger joined the Texas Southern University as athletics operations manager in 2008, the same year that McClelland joined the university. His primary responsibilities include processing athletic contracts, team travel, ticketing and managing TSU athletic facilities.

Before coming to Texas Southern, Granger was the head boy’s basketball coach at Worthing High School from 2001 to 2007. In his last year, he led his team to the 19-4A Regional Boy’s basketball finals. He was also named 2007 19-4A Coach of the Year. Granger was a star player for TSU’s basketball team from 1992-96, and was the
Division I leading scorer in 1996.

“I’m extremely excited to lead TSU athletics into its next chapter,” said Granger. “Having been a former player and coach at TSU, and having worked directly under Dr. McClelland, it means the world to me to have this opportunity, and I thank Dr. Lane for having the confidence in me to fill this role.”

Granger received the President’s Award (1996) as the top student-athlete at TSU and he still ranks among the all-time greats in the university’s basketball history is several categories. Granger’s number 10 was retired in 2002.

He also spent three years playing professional basketball overseas in Italy, Cyprus and Argentina. He has a bachelor’s degree in business from TSU (2000). He is married to Tracey and they have two boys (Kevin, Jr. and Kolby) and one girl (Kennah).

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Simmons: Rattlers working harder than ever for successful 2018

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Coming off a string scrimmage this past weekend, the FAMU football team returned to the field this past week.

One thing you'll notice if you talk to any player about the upcoming season is the big smile that comes over their faces.

According to new head coach Willie Simmons, those smiles are warranted, because they've been working harder than ever.

"I think it excites me to know that they're willing to put in the work and that's something we talk about everyday," Simmons said. "Put the work in and the results will show for themselves.

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Johnathan Ferrell Kickoff Classic featured Miami Carol City vs. Rickards and Godby vs. Miami Northwestern in Preseason Kickoff

The 2nd Annual Johnathan Ferrell Kickoff Classic at Bragg Stadium on FAMU Campus opened with two Florida top tier teams. FHSAA Class 6A Defending Champion Miami Northwestern faced off against an elite North Florida program in Tallahassee Godby.

2nd game of the Johnathan Ferrell Kickoff Classic featured Miami Carol City and Tallahassee Rickards. The Chiefs took an easy 62-0 win over Rickards.

Game Week Is Here; PVAMU Panthers Prep For Rice Owls

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Game week has arrived for Prairie View A&M University football as the Panthers get set for Saturday's 6 p.m. kickoff at Rice.

Coverage of Panthers Training Camp on pvpanthers.com is sponsored by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance. Texas Farm Bureau Members can receive free tickets to Panther home athletics contests by showing proof of membership at the PVAMU Ticket Office. Panther Nation can visit the local Texas Farm Bureau Agent in Waller to become a member today.

Tickets for Saturday's game are available online at pvpanthers.com/ricegame for only $25 for the game at Rice Stadium. Tickets can also be purchased in person at Wolf's Department Store.

The PVAMU Marching Storm, which high-stepped down Broadway and dazzled a global audience in the 2017 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, will be in the house at Rice Stadium in the season opener for both teams.

The game will be video streamed online on ESPN+, the new online portal of ESPN, at the cost of $4.99 per month. The subscription comes with a free seven day trial. The monthly subscription renews every 30 days, and would also be good to watch the Panthers – Sam Houston game on Sept. 8.

All radio broadcasts of Panthers football will be available online at pvpanthers.com/sportsnetwork with a 30 minute pregame show before each contest.

PVAMU Football officially opened game week with a light practice Sunday evening before a Monday practice at Panther Stadium.

"Practice has gone really well this week," said Panthers head coach Eric Dooley. "They have a focus that lets you know it's game week. We've come out and put a lot of focus on the mental aspect and the players have done a great job."



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Southern announces Pete Richardson Classic for all future football home openers

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Beginning this season, all future Southern football home openers will be known as the "Pete Richardson Classic."

Standing in an F.G. Clark Activity Center corridor that used to serve as the Jaguars' equipment room during Richardson's tenure, surrounded by the friends and administrators who supported him through his 17-year coaching tenure, Southern announced the move to honor the legendary former coach with a day dedicated to his lifetime of achievements.

The inaugural classic will happen Sept. 15 when the Jaguars host Langston University for the home opener.

"It means a great deal to me and my family because Southern University means a great deal for us," Richardson said. "It's also a great deal for the fans. Those guys have an outstanding program. It should be a great game."

Athletic director Roman Banks said the honor — almost a year in the making since he first proposed it — is long overdue for a man of Richardson's stature.



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Southern faces brutal non-conference schedule with No. 16 TCU in season opener

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- With the release of the Associated Press Top 25 poll on Monday, Southern officially has one of the toughest non-conference schedules of any team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

The Jaguars open the season at No. 16 TCU on Sept. 1, making them one of two SWAC teams to face a Power 5 program in 2018. Alabama State travels to No. 7 Auburn on Sept. 8.

It’s the first time Southern faces a ranked opponent since a 2015 trip to No. 7 Georgia — a 48-6 loss for the Jags.

“Tough non-conference schedule. Probably the toughest in the conference,” Odums said. “Who else has one tougher?”

Southern’s recent non-conference slate has been a bit of a mixed bag of results over the years.

Under Odums, the Jaguars are 5-10 when playing away from the SWAC, including his win against Florida A&M as an interim coach in 2012.



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Neumann Named PVAMU Women's Assistant Soccer Coach

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Alexandra Neumann has been named as assistant coach for the Prairie View A&M University women's soccer program.

"I am excited to introduce Alex as the new assistant coach for our women's soccer program," said new PVAMU Head Soccer Coach Sonia Curvelo. "Alex encompasses exactly what the program needs right now. She has great experience in SWAC as a former student-athlete and coach. She understands the journey of winning a conference Championship and competing in the NCAA Tournament. She will also be a great role model for the student-athletes. Alex is committed to developing the student-athletes to achieve greatness on and off the field. As a coach, she has experience recruiting in the state of Texas which will be an asset for our program. She has immediately contributed to the growth of this program since her arrival. I look forward to working with her."

As a member of the Mississippi Valley Devilettes soccer program, Nuemann was a starter and integral player that contributed to the 2012 SWAC Championship.

The Oak Park, Ill. Native served as a graduated assistant at her alma mater for two years. As a graduate assistant she assisted with taking the team to a first place finish in the regular season, and make an appearance in the SWAC Tournament semifinal game in 2015 and the quarterfinals in 2016.

Her collegiate coaching career began as the head coach of Wiley College in 2017. While there, she led the team to set records for wins in a season (10), the longest winning streak (6), as well as number of conference games won in a season (8). Neumann had four players named to the first team all-conference and two players named to the all-tournament team. Three players were also named to the Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes list.

Nuemann earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Mississippi Valley State University in 2014 and attained a Master's degree in Business Administration also from MVSU in 2017. She is also a certified personal trainer and has extensive experience working with athletes to gain strength and conditioning specific to their sports.

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SAU Graduate Featured in Nationally-Televised Commercial During PGA Championship

RALEIGH, North Carolina – Saint Augustine's University graduate and current PGA golf professional and instructor Gerry Hammond was featured in a nationally-televised commercial this past weekend during the PGA Championship, which drew its highest TV ratings in nine years. Click HERE to watch the commercial.

Hammond was selected among approximately 28,000 golf pros to represent the PGA Journeys program this year. PGA Journeys was designed to emphasize the "Journeys" that PGA professionals take to reach the highest level of their profession and showcase how professionals can help golfers of all skill levels with their own golf "Journeys."

In the commercial, Hammond talks about his golf journey to becoming a successful PGA professional and instructor. He is the founder of Hammond Golf Academy in Gahanna, Ohio, where approximately 80 of his students have gone on to earn college scholarships. Their photos are on the Wall of Fame at the academy.

A 1991 graduate of Saint Augustine's University, Hammond was a standout on the golf team for three years. He played under legendary golf coach Lawrence "Peaches" Coleman, who is in the CIAA Hall of Fame.

"Coach Coleman was like my dad away from home," said Hammond, who has a physical education degree from SAU. "He watched over me and checked me when I was out of pocket. He held me accountable. He was like that for everybody. He did not have to pour so much time into us the way he did, but I thank him for that."

Gerry Hammond Was An Outstanding Golfer During His Collegiate Days At Saint Augustine's. In The Photo, Hammond Is Sitting Next To Hall of Fame Coach Lawrence "Peaches" Coleman. On the Top Left is Chris Brown and the Top Right is Greg Blanks

A golf instructor for 25 years, Hammond started the Hammond Golf Academy in 2011.

Coleman is not surprised by Hammond's success.

"He was a good leader, a talented golfer and a very fine student at Saint Augustine's," Coleman said. "Gerry helped the golf team win a CIAA title during his college career. He has sent us numerous student-athletes out of his academy."

Legendary SAU Athletic Director George Williams is proud of Hammond.

"This is a good example of what Saint Augustine's University is all about – coach and student-athlete relationship," Williams said. "Gerry was not only a great golfer but a great student. We wish him well!"

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SIAC Announces 2018 Volleyball Preseason Honors

ATLANTA, Georgia – Middle blocker Kia Thomas of Clark Atlanta University was named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Preseason Offensive Player of the Year along with Libero Cassidi Sterrett of Spring Hill College who was selected as Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, announced Monday by the league office.

All votes are submitted by SIAC head coaches and sports information directors.

Kia Thomas

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Kia Thomas, Middle Blocker
Clark Atlanta University

Thomas, a sophomore middle blocker, led the SIAC in kills (3.13/game) and hitting percentage (.338). Thomas earned the SIAC Newcomer of the Week award twice last season. She also recorded a season-high 20 kills over Albany State and a season-high 25 points over Claflin. Thomas finished her rookie season with 65 total blocks (No. 9 in conference), 46 digs, and 34 service aces. Thomas helped the 2017 Eastern Division Champions finish 17-13 last season and looks to improve this season.

Cassidi Sterrett

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
Cassidi Sterrett, Libero/Defensive Specialist
Spring Hill College

Sterrett, a junior libero, led the SIAC in digs as she recorded 491 digs on the season averaging 4.63 digs per game. The Lee’s Summit, Mo. native also ranked No. 7 in service aces as she recorded 44 on the season. Sterrett led the 2017 Western Division Champions to a perfect season last year as they dominated the conference 18-0 and look to continue the streak as they are now eligible for post-season play.

Preseason Rankings

In the East Division, Albany State is anticipated to capture the Eastern Division Championship title as they had six first-place picks. The defending Eastern Division Champions, Clark Atlanta was picked to finish second with five first-place votes ahead of Benedict who had one first place vote. Fort Valley State and Paine rounded out the division.

In the West Division, defending SIAC Champions, Kentucky State is anticipated to top the west as they receive seven first-place votes ahead of Spring Hill who received five first place votes. LeMoyne-Owen, who faced Kentucky State in last year’s championship game, is expected to finish third this year ahead of Central State who is expected to come in fourth. Lane is expected to come in fifth place above Miles and Tuskegee who will round out the western division.

Volleyball Rankings by DivisionAdd caption

East Division
1. Albany State (6)
2. Clark Atlanta (5)
3. Benedict (1)
4. Fort Valley State
5. Paine

West Division
1. Kentucky State (7)
2. Spring Hill (5)
3. LeMoyne-Owen
4. Central State
5. Lane
6. Miles
7. Tuskegee

*First place votes in parenthesis.

2018 SIAC Volleyball – Preseason Team 

First Team

Jasmine Davis	LeMoyne-Owen	Outside Hitter
Adrionna Washington	Benedict	Outside Hitter
Jannai Cheeks	Albany State	Outside Hitter
Brittany Warren-Dancy	Clark Atlanta	Middle Blocker
Kia Thomas	Clark Atlanta	Middle Blocker
Naporsha Gilliam	LeMoyne-Owen	Libero
Sierra Nelson	Clark Atlanta	Setter

Second Team

Taylor Prude	Clark Atlanta	Outside Hitter
Randi De’Armitt	Spring Hill	Outside Hitter
Aza Rae Underwood	Lane	Outside Hitter
Arlandria Greathouse	Kentucky State	Middle Blocker
Crystal Hall	Tuskegee	Middle Blocker
Majda Cisic	Benedict	Libero
Emmarose Neibert	Spring Hill	Setter

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Veteran Gokhan Yilmaz Set To Lead Florida A&M Volleyball

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University has appointed veteran volleyball coach and teacher Gokhan Yilmaz to take the reins as head coach of the school’s Women’s Volleyball Program.

Yilmaz, who served the past two seasons as Associate Head Coach at FAMU, has fashioned an impressive resume replete with volleyball playing, teaching and coaching experiences from both overseas and in the United States.

A native of Istabul, Turkey, Yilmaz has compiled a 284-137 career record as a collegiate coach, good for an excellent .680 winning percentage, utilizing his skills as a teacher/trainer in volleyball, as well as using his wealth of contacts in the international volleyball community in recruiting.

Yilmaz served one season (2014-15) as head coach at UNC Charlotte, leading the 49ers to 17 wins, the most in eight years, while leading the team to its’ first conference tournament appearance in five years – a team built around nine new recruits he signed for that first season.

Prior to that, he spent seven seasons as Associate Head Coach, Training Coordinator and Main Recruiter for nearby Florida State University (2008-14),

 GOKHAN YILMAZ
FAMU HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH

While at FSU, Yilmaz landed the nation’s Number Three recruiting class in 2012, helping the Seminoles to a sizzling 154-41 record, featuring five NCAA Tournament appearances (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), highlighted by a 2011 Final Four berth, a 2009 Elite Eight spot and a 2013 Sweet Sixteen berth.

Yilmaz’s collegiate resume also includes stints as an Assistant Coach at the University of Arkansas (Spring 2005, 2007-08); Northwood University (2005-07 – 2005 regional semifinalist), Cameron University (2003-05 – two-time conference finalist), and Western New Mexico University (2002-03).

He began his coaching career in his native Turkey as a club coach (Eczacibasi Sports Club) in 1995-96, before working the next six years coaching club, high school and middle school teams, most of which achieved national, regional and city honors.

In his six seasons prior to starting his collegiate career, Yilmaz led his charges to two national championships, and four other finals appearances, and all of his teams earned berths in the Turkish National Tournament.

Yilmaz holds a Bachelor’s in Eastern European Studies from Istanbul University (2002), and a Master’s in Sports Psychology from Cameron University (2005).

He also completed a Volleyball Coaching course in 1999, and completed a first degree Volleyball Coaching course in Istanbul in 2000.

Additionally, he has attended numerous volleyball seminars, covering lifting (strength and conditioning) in volleyball, nutrition, kinesiology and skill perfection training.

His playing career in the sport was rather extensive, as he played for his high school team from 1989-95, while also playing for two sports clubs: Eczacibasi SC (1991-95), and Besiktas SC (1994-95).

WHAT'S ON TAP: Yilmaz will officially open his tenure as FAMU head coach when he leads the Rattler Women into battle in the USM Invitational hosted by Southern Miss in Hattiesburg, Miss., Friday and Saturday, August 24-25.

FAMU’s home opening weekend will be Friday and Saturday, September 7 and 8, as they jointly host the FAMU-FSU Invitational. They will face off against Southern Miss and VCU, playing one match each day in the Al Lawson Center.

THE GOKHAN YILMAZ FILE

Overall Record as a college coach: 284 - 137 (.680 winning %)

2018 Florida A&M University Head Volleyball Coach
2016 – 2017 Florida A&M University Associate Head Coach

2014 – 2015 UNC Charlotte Head Volleyball Coach
Highest number of wins, 17, since 2006
First Conference Tournament appearance in the last 5 years
Recruited/signed, 9 new players in the first year

2008 – 2014 Florida State University Associate Head Coach
Training Coordinator/ Main Recruiter
#3 Recruiting Class in 2012
154 – 41 Overall Record, .800 winning %
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 NCAA Tournament Participant,11 – 5 record
2009 Elite Eight,2010 Second Round,2011 Final Four,2012 Second Round,2013 Sweet 16
2009, 2011, 2012 ACC Champion

2007 – 2008 University of Arkansas Assistant Volleyball Coach

Main on Court Trainer/International Recruiting Coordinator

2005 – 2007 Northwood University Assistant Volleyball Coach
2005 Regional Semi - Finalist

2005 Spring University of Arkansas at Fayetteville Assistant Coach

2003 – 2005 Cameron University Assistant Coach
Two Time Conference Finalist

2002 – 2003 Western New Mexico University Assistant Coach
Overall record of 19 – 13.

2001 – 2002 Youth Boys Team Head Coach, Uskudar Cmh. HS Head Coach
Youth Boys Team both City and National Champions
High School Team City Champions, National Finalist

2000 – 2001 Youth Boys Team Head Coach, Besiktas High School Team Head Coach
Youth Boys Team Third Place in the City and National Finalist
High School Team City Champions, National Finalist

1999 – 2000 Youth Boys Team Head Coach, Professional Team Second Assistant Coach
Youth Boys Team City Finalist, National Champions

Professional Team 5th Place in the regular season, Quarter Finalist in Play-offs

1998 – 1999 Youth and Junior Boys Teams Head Coach
Youth Boys Team both City and National Finalist (lost both finals 2-3)
Junior Boys Team Third Place in the City, eliminated in the Nationals

1997 – 1998 Youth Boys Team Head Coach, Galatasaray Middle School Head Coach
Youth Boys Team City Champions, eliminated in the National Tournament
Middle School Team both City and National Champions (26–0)

1996 – 1997 Youth Boys Team Head Coach, Galatasaray Middle School Head Coach
Youth Boys Team City Champions , National Finalist
Middle School Team both City and National Finalist

1995 – 1996 First year in coaching. Eczacibasi Sports Club

COACHING ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

2018 Florida A&M University Head Volleyball Coach
2016-2017 season ` Florida A&M University Associate Head Coach
2014 – 2015 season UNC Charlotte Head Volleyball Coach
2008 – 2013 season Florida State University Associate Head Coach/Training Coordinator
2007 – 2008 season University of Arkansas Assistant Coach/Training Coordinator
2005 – 2007 season Northwood University Volleyball Coach/Training Coordinator
2005 Spring Season University of Arkansas Assistant Coach
2003 – 2005 season Cameron University Assistant Coach
2002 – 2003 season Western New Mexico University Assistant Coach
1996 – 2002 seasons Coached in Galatasaray Sports Club
2001 – 2002 season Coached Uskudar Cumhuriyet High School Team
2000 – 2001 season Coached Besiktas High School Team
1998 – 2001 seasons Youth Boys National Team Head Coach
1995 – 1996 season Coached in Eczacibasi Sports Club
1999 – 2000 season Professional Team Second Assistant Coach
1996 – 1998 seasons Coached Galatasaray Middle School Team

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