JACKSON, Tenn. - 7/13/2010 - Kelly Elliott begins her first season as the head coach of the Union University volleyball program. Elliott becomes the third head coach of the Union volleyball program since its beginning in 1998.

Most recently, Elliott has been an Assistant Professor of Physical Education, Wellness and Sport at Union University from 2007 to the present. She will continue to maintain a teaching load in the Union sports management program. Prior to becoming a full-time teacher, Elliot was a Resident Director at Union from 2004-2007 in the McAfee Residence Complex.

Elliott spent seven seasons (1997-2003) as the assistant coach at King (Tenn.) College under head coach Susie Toomey. Toomey, the mother of Elliott, spent 25 years at King accumulating a 749-229 record, which is sixth in the NAIA in total wins and seventh in the NAIA in winning percentage for a coaching career.

Elliott earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from King College in 1995 where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Elliott also holds two Masters' degrees. The first was a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Louisville (Ky.) in 1997, followed by a Master of Arts in Physical Education, Sports Management concentration from East Tennessee State University in 1999.

As a student-athlete, Elliot was a four-year starter on the volleyball team at King from 1991-1994. She was voted into the King College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008 as part of the 1994 volleyball team, the only volleyball team to be inducted thus far. Elliott earned numerous honors including Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Athlete of the Year in 1995, first team all-conference in 1993 and 1994, NAIA Scholar Athlete in 1993 and 1994, and earned NCCAA All-District and Scholar Athlete honors in 1993 and 1994.

Elliott's teams were also very successful as both a player and as an assistant coach. She was a part of four conference championships as a player and seven conference titles as an assistant coach. During her years as assistant coach, she helped lead her team to two NAIA National Tournaments, including one National Team Sportsmanship Award. Elliott also won four NCCAA District Tournaments and played in four NCCAA National Tournaments (two third-place finishes) as a player.

Coach Elliott's desire is to see the members of the Union volleyball team grow as players, but more importantly, as young women. She views her role of coach as one to challenge and mentor team members spiritually, academically, and athletically.

Elliott and her husband, Michael, reside in Jackson and are the parents of Isaac and Anna. They are active members of Englewood Baptist Church, where Michael serves as the Minister to Families with Children.

#TRANSOUTH#