By Rob Beckmann @Coach_Beckmann
Independence, KS – Melissa Anderson has been named the new Head Volleyball Coach at Independence Community College. She brings a wealth of experience to Indy, having served as both a JUCO and NCAA Division II Head Coach at Otero Junior College and East Central University, respectively, over 12 total seasons.
“I am very excited and grateful to President Dr. Vincent Bowhay and Athletic Director Eric Figurski for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead the Indy Volleyball team,” Anderson said.
At Otero Junior College, Anderson notched 177 total wins over eight seasons, registering five seasons with 19 or more wins. She also produced 19 All-Region players, 42 All-Region Academic players, and 9 Academic All-Americans, while maintaining a 3.14 team GPA while in La Junta, Colorado.
“Coach Anderson has all the qualities that we sought for this position,” ICC Athletic Director, Eric Figurski, said of the hire. “She has almost 200 wins as a head coach. She is a tireless recruiter. She loves the work. And she will empower the young women within our program, campus, and community.”
For both the 2012 and 2013 seasons, Otero finished second in the nation in total number of digs. In the 2013 season, the Rattlers also finished second in the nation in total number of aces. Both the 2012 and 2013 teams ranked top twenty in total number of kills, assists, and points as well.
Anderson helped guide her student-athletes to further success beyond their JUCO careers, with nine players moving on to NCAA Division II, one to NCAA Division I, one to NCAA Division III, and six to NAIA.
With the Indy Pirates, Anderson aims to continue her illustrious track record of success at the community college level.
“I am excited for the upcoming season to watch our sophomores grow as players and lead our freshman on and off the court,” Anderson said. “We have 15 girls who are ready and willing to do what it takes to help Indy volleyball be successful.”
Coach Anderson’s Pirates will kick off the season on August 25th at Highland Community College before returning home for the first game on the new Pirate Volleyball court at the ICC Fieldhouse on Friday, August 27th.
Independence Community College (ICC) is a two-year educational institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. First established in 1925 as grades 13 and 14 of the Independence public school system, Independence Community College legally separated from the school district as its own entity which began offering college courses in the fall of 1970. Currently, ICC’s educational and support programming includes 35 programs of study for Associate of Arts and/or Science degrees, 11 programs of study for Certificate completion, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, men's and women's athletic programs and a variety of campus organizations and activities.