Shannon Mincey Position: Head Coach Experience: 4th season Education: B.A. King College (1995) M.A. East Tennessee State University (2000)

Shannon Mincey has served as the Head Coach for four seasons. She led her 2007 team to a 23-11 record and a runner-up finish in the South Atlantic Conference conference tournament. The Lady Eagles finished their season with two thrilling victories over Tusculum College and Catawba College before loosing to Wingate Unviersity in the finals.

PRIOR TO CARSON-NEWMAN

Mincey served as the top assistant coach at East Tennessee State University from 1999-2003 after serving as a volunteer coach in 1998. She coached the 2001 Southern Conference Player of the Year and the 2002 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year. Mincey also started and developed the USAV Buccaneer Junior Volleyball Club which was comprised of over 100 athletes in the Upper East Tennessee area. From 1997-1999, Mincey served as an academic advisor for the ETSU Athletic Department. Prior to her stint with the Buccaneers, Mincey was the top assistant at Milligan College in Johnson City from 1997 to 1998. She served as the head volleyball coach at Conway Christian High School in Conway, South Carolina and was the head coach at Tazewell High School in Tazewell, Virginia.

BACKGROUND

Shannon Mincey is a native of Tazewell, Virginia...the daughter of Jerry and Vivian Cromer. She is now the mother of 2 children. Cami (5) and Cy (3). Shannon and her husband Michael reside in Morristown, TN. Mincey says, "I have such an opportunity to have a career and a family. I can talk with my players about their aspirations and show them that... whatever career they want to achieve they can while being a mother and/or a wife if that is what they choose. Being a mother and a coach certainly takes some balancing. My family is very important to me and my players become my family too."

ALMA MATER & EDUCATION

Mincey enjoyed a successful playing career at King College in Bristol, TN where she helped lead the Tornado to a four-year record of 164-36. King captured four TVAC championships, four NCCAA District II championships, one NAIA District 24 title and a third and fourth-place finish in the NCCAA National Championships during Mincey's career. Mincey was an All-Conference selection as a middle hitter. Mincey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from King College (1995) and a Master of Arts degree in Sports Management from East Tennessee State University (2000) ACADEMICS ARE A PRIORITY During the fall semester, Coach Mincey had 5 players receive a 4.0 G.P.A. For two seasons the team has been recognized for their outstanding efforts in the classroom with an overall team GPA of 3.3 or higher. Every volleyball player who has completed her eligibility at CN has received her degree. Coach Mincey has 4 student-athletes who are currently a part of the Carson-Newman honors program. A challenging program which provides a rigorous pursuit of the ideals expressed on Carson-Newman's seal: truth, beauty and goodness. "It is important for me to recognize each student-athletes strengths and abilities not only on the court but off. It is imperative I allow players the opportunity to mature and push themselves in areas outside of the sport." adds Coach Mincey.

COACHING IS A MINISTRY

In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Mincey has worked in various ministries in the United States and around the world. While living in Tazewell, Mincey served as the Youth Minister at Tazewell Presbyterian Church. She was the Camp Director and Counselor at Holston Presbyterian Church Camp in Banner Elk, North Carolina from 1993 to 1996 and was a Young Life representative in Bristol from 1992 to 1994. Mincey played on mission's teams which competed against teams in Russia, Costa Rica and Jamaica and has served on mission trips to Philadelphia and Miami. She served as a ministry leader for a women's basketball team during a 2 week stay in Puerto Rico. "As an athlete you have such an opportunity to use your gifts to make a difference in the lives of others. You don't have to go overseas to share God's love. There are so many young girls who come to our camp and matches, what an opportunity to change a heart right there. Not only can we do that through word of mouth but through our actions -how we react during certain situations can really make a statement. A team missions trip will be in the works for the near future." Coach Mincey

CARSON-NEWMAN STRIDES

As the 2007 Carson-Newman volleyball season ends, head coach Shannon Mincey finished her fourth season at the helm of the program carrying a 82-53 overall record. In her first season as the head coach of the Lady Eagles, Mincey led C-N to a 25-10 record and a third-place finish in the SAC. Jennifer Holmes, Blaire Young, Kari Gibson, and Kelli Sorensen were named to the All-SAC team in 2004. Young was ranked 2nd in the nation in digs per game. The Lady Eagles finished the 2005 season with a 17-17 record and placed third in the SAC standings. Young, Gibson and Sorensen were once again named to the All-SAC team and newcomer Kelsey Fleck was selected to the SAC All-Freshman team. In 2006, Coach Mincey coached two All-Conference selections: Kelli Sorensen and Kari Gibson with Katie Troyer receiving All-Freshman Honors. The team finished 17-15 overall and a fifth place finish in the conference. The 2007 team finished with a 23-11 overall record. A runner-up finish in the conference touranment. Freshman Nikki James was selected to the SAC All-Freshman team. Carson-Newman finished the season ranked 1st in NCAA DII blocks per game and Nikki James was ranked 5th in the nation for blocks per game.