STATESBORO, Ga. – Appalachian State volleyball associate head coach
Chad Willis has been named head coach at Georgia Southern, the program announced on Wednesday.
Willis spent the last six seasons as associate head coach of the Mountaineers.
"I am humbled and grateful to be the next head volleyball coach at Georgia Southern University," said Willis. "It is a bittersweet time for my family as we begin this transition. Moving on will be difficult since Appalachian State has been home for us for these past six years, but there is a lot of excitement. The community and the people really opened their arms to us when we first arrived and we cannot put into words just how much we appreciate the love and support. I want to thank all the former and current student-athletes that I've had the privilege to work with along the way. I am a better coach and a better person because of them. They have prepared me for the next chapter and I will be forever grateful to them for their hard work, dedication and support."
Willis was instrumental in a successful transition for Appalachian State into the Sun Belt Conference, helping the Mountaineers earn runner up finishes in the Sun Belt Tournament and in 2015 and 2018. In the 2015 season, the Black and Gold led the conference in kills per set (14.66), assists per set (13.76) and posted the highest team hitting percentage (.272). Paige Brown, Emily Corrigan, Jess Keller and Ashton Gregory wrapped up tremendous offensive seasons by being named as all-conference selections, including Keller being named the Sun Belt Offensive Student-Athlete of the Year.
"I am extremely happy for Chad on being named the new head volleyball coach at Georgia Southern," said App State head coach
Matt Ginipro. "He is more than ready to be a head coach and this opportunity is much deserved. While we've been friends for a long time, it has been great to work with him for the past six years. He has been instrumental in the creation of our team culture and the success we have had during his time in Boone. I have no doubt that Chad will do some great things in Statesboro due to his passion and love of the game. App State volleyball wishes Chad, Caroline, Aidan and Maddie the best of luck. They will be missed greatly."
This past season, Willis guided the Mountaineer offense second place rankings in the Sun Belt in assists per set (12.86) and kills per set (13.81), while finishing third in hitting percentage (.217). The Black and Gold saw four players earn All-Sun Belt honors in
Emma Longley,
Becky Porter,
Emma Reilly and
Kara Spicer. Longley and Porter were tabbed as First Team selections, with Porter also being named Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year.
"Lastly I'd like to thank my good friend
Matt Ginipro," added Willis. "When I arrived, he had a vision for where he wanted this program to go and he trusted and invested in me to be a big part of that vision. I cannot say enough about his mentorship and support but more importantly the friendship he has provided will be something I will always cherish. Appalachian State athletics and App State volleyball is a very special place and my family and I are thankful and blessed to have been a part of it. I wish our friends, fellow coaches, student-athletes, administrators and support staff all the best moving forward. Thank you for everything!"
