New volleyball coach hired

Athletic Director Joel Smith announced the hiring of Riann Mullis, as head coach of the volleyball team Monday (March 14). Mullis, formerly the head coach at Cowley College, Arkansas City, Kansas, spent five years with the Tigers, three as an assistant, and earned a total record of 167-29, 56-22 as the head coach.

“Riann will begin on April 11,” Smith said. “Riann was prepared, enthusiastic, and ready to build a Division II program. She will be a great fit for CSC and the Chadron Community.”

Mullis helped lead the tigers to two NJCAA Championships, a runner-up, and in her first year as head coach, the team finished third at the National Championships. As head coach, she led the team to two conference and district championships.

Mullis said one of the draws to CSC was the growth of the athletic program and that she is excited to be a part of that growth.

Her accolades also include being named the American Volleyball Coaches Association Two-Year College Assistant Coach of the Year in 2012, and the Co-Coach of the Year for the East Division of the Jayhawk Conference in 2014.

Mullis also said some challenges could be the switch to NCAA D-II from NJCAA as well as recruiting.

“The big difference is CSC is NCAA, it is different than what I am used too,” Mullis said. “Recruiting could be a challenge because the rural location makes it difficult to bring in athletes.”

The Eagles finished last season with a 9-17 record, 8-10 in conference play. Chris Wells, former head volleyball coach resigned from the position following the 2015 season. In two years with CSC, one as the interim head coach, the Eagles were 12-41.

“My goal is a winning season,” Mullis said. “I want to be over .500 for winning percentage. Chadron State has the talent, I just need to provide the structure.”