CHATTANOOGA---The Chattanooga Mocs announced a new direction for its volleyball program Tuesday morning. Veteran leader Julie Torbett Thomas takes the reins as the first director of volleyball and seventh head coach of the indoor program. She comes to the Scenic City with a sterling reputation as a winner.
"It is an honor to be named the Director of Volleyball at Chattanooga," she began. "I want to thank Director of Athletics,
Mark Wharton, along with
Laura Herron and the entire search committee for their confidence in my vision for Chattanooga Volleyball.
"From day one, I will work to make this program one that the student-athletes, University and MocNation can be proud of. My family and I are more than excited to now call the Scenic City our new home. GO MOCS!
Torbett Thomas led IUP's (Indiana University Pennsylvania) team over the last two years. She has 28 seasons as a head coach with prior stops at UNC Asheville (17 years), Winthrop (2) and East Carolina (7). She led UNCA to two Big South titles and Winthrop to one.
She has 465 victories on her ledger. That includes school-record total at Asheville (304) and ECU (109). Each program's best season(s) came under her leadership.
"Julie is a proven winner," Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics
Mark Wharton stated. "Her resume absolutely speaks for itself. We had an excellent pool from a nationwide search. It's obvious how attractive our situation was, and the promise the program has.
"We are excited to support Julie and our student-athletes in their quests on and off the court."
Not only is she a champion coach, Torbett Thomas learned those ways as a student-athlete. The former middle back and defensive specialist played for Penn State legend Russ Rose capturing four Atlantic 10 titles, four NCAA Regionals and a spotless 31-0 league mark.
Her programs don't just shine on the court. Multiple squads claimed American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Academic Team Awards. That requires a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or higher.
Those teams also have a focus on community involvement. She's initiated several outreach programs often focusing on elementary schools, retirement communities and volunteer efforts.
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