Hallock Named Head Volleyball Coach at UW-LaCrosse

La Crosse, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has named Lily Hallock as its 10th head volleyball coach in school history.  Hallock replaces Sheila Perkins, who, following her 18th season as head coach, retired from coaching in November 2011 with the most wins (392) in school history.  Along with serving as head volleyball coach at UW-L, Hallock will be an instructor in the university's Exercise Sport Science Department.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to join the UW-L Athletics Department and to work with a dedicated group of student-athletes in the volleyball program," said Hallock.  "I want to thank everyone who was a part of the hiring process for the time they dedicated and for trusting me to take on the role of head volleyball coach.

"This department has enjoyed a great amount of success and I look forward to being a part of that," added Hallock.  "I am extremely excited to get to campus and start learning from all of the successful coaches at UW-L and share my experiences and knowledge with my colleagues and the student-athletes."

Hallock has served as a graduate assistant volleyball coach at Smith College (Mass.) the last two seasons.  She was the Pioneers' interim head volleyball coach from January to June 2011.  Along with her coaching duties at Smith College, Hallock is a teaching fellow in the exercise and sports studies program.  She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon in 2006 in human physiology and is currently pursuing her master's degree in exercise and sports studies at Smith College.

"The UW-L volleyball team is made up of a dedicated group of athletes who are striving for something more," said Hallock.  "I will work tirelessly to guide each individual to reach her own potential.  UW-L volleyball has been very successful and I hope to return the program to the top of the WIAC and to the NCAA Tournament while continuing performance in the classroom."       
 
Prior to arriving at Smith College, Hallock was the assistant volleyball coach and assistant director of the fitness center at the University of California, Santa Cruz from 2007 to 2010.  She served as the assistant volleyball varsity coach at South Eugene (Oregon) High School from 2004 to 2006.
 
As a player, Hallock was a four-year starting setter at UC Santa Cruz from 1999 to 2003, earning first team all-conference honors her senior season. She was a three-year team captain and two-year team MVP for the Banana Slugs.  Hallock also played basketball at UC Santa Cruz.

"We are thrilled to welcome Lily Hallock to the UW-L family as our new head volleyball coach," said UW-L Director of Athletics Josh Whitman.  "She will provide exceptional leadership, vision, and energy to the Eagles volleyball program.

"In talking with Lily's colleagues and student-athletes, they spoke repeatedly of her technical acumen, integrity, intensity, and competitiveness.  She is a talented coach who has the rare ability to connect with her players as individuals and to motivate them to reach their fullest potential as students, athletes, and people.  She brings a tireless work ethic and will do what is necessary to elevate our volleyball program to a position of national prominence," added Whitman.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to see Lily as our new head coach," said sophomore Kayla Ashland of Bloomer (H.S.), who earned 2011 All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Honorable Mention recognition.  "I can feel her passion and intensity for the game of volleyball and cannot wait to see what she has planned for us. I have no doubt in my mind that Lily will make and build this program to be strong and successful."

"Lily was extremely personable, she brought a light to the room and we felt completely comfortable around her," said junior Katie Kaufman of Maple Grove, Minn. (H.S.) , who played in all 30 matches last season.  "Her intensity rang throughout her team interview as she approached each question with structure and direct answers.  She has played at our level and knows what kind of heart it takes at the Division III level."

"I want to thank the members of the search and screen committee, chaired by Pat Healy, the head coach of our women's track and field and cross country teams, for their exceptional work over these past months," said Whitman.  "We were fortunate to have several accomplished applicants for the position, but throughout the course of the interview process, Lily distanced herself as the best person to lead our volleyball program in its pursuit of conference and national titles.  She is a tremendous addition to our talented coaching staff."

"Director of Athletics Josh Whitman, the athletics department and the entire university were all incredibly welcoming when I visited La Crosse," said Hallock.  "I am thrilled to be a part of the La Crosse community."

UW-L opens its 2012 season at the St. Mary's University (Minn.) Tournament Friday, August 31.