June 2, 2014

VERMILLION, S.D. - South Dakota head volleyball coach Leanne Williamson has named Michelle Cole as assistant coach for the Coyotes. Cole comes to South Dakota after being an assistant coach at Azusa Pacific University, a NCAA Division II school in Azusa, Calif., last season.

Cole helped APU to a 26-11 record and a National Christian College Athletic Association championship game appearance last season. Cole spent one season at APU, helping the Cougars improve on a 22-10 record in 2012 and to a fifth-place finish in the PacWest with a 13-7 conference record.

"Michelle's energy and passion for the game will instantly be an asset to our program, as well as the University and community," Williamson said. "We are excited to welcome Michelle to the Coyote family."

Prior to APU, Cole spent two seasons at Division III school Occidental College in Eagle Rock, Calif., where she was an assistant coach in 2005 and head coach in 2006. She then became club director and coach of The Elite Volleyball Club in Chatsworth, Calif., from 2009-13.

Cole played Division I volleyball at Texas A&M where she was a four-year starter, helped the Aggies to two Elite Eight appearances and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors during her senior season in 2002. She went on to play professionally for the Avila Volleyball Club in Avila, Spain, from 2004-05.

The Coyotes are coming off a 19-13 record and a Summit League Tournament appearance last season.