Feb. 25, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former Michigan standout Jen Gandolph joins the Samford University volleyball staff as its first assistant coach, announced Samford head coach Dex Schroeder, Friday. The hire comes just a month and half after Schroeder joined the Samford staff as head coach.

"Jen is not only going to oversee recruiting with Bulldog Volleyball but she will be involved in all facets of the program," Schroeder said. "I know we are very lucky to have a knowledgeable, loyal, high quality person in our program and I plan to have her be involved in day to day operations, helping our team quickly take steps to the next level."

Gandolph is a 2005 graduate of the University of Michigan, where she earned a bachelor's degree in sports management and communication. She was a four-year starter for the Wolverines' volleyball program and its all-time leader in kills, digs and attempts. She is a member of the Michigan 1,000-kills and digs club and was selected preseason All-Big Ten in 2004. The unanimous selection for the 2001 Big Ten Freshman Team was featured in Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crowd piece as well as being highlighted in Volleyball Magazine in December 2004.

The Greenwood, Ind., native graduated in June 2001 from Center Grove High School where she earned 10 varsity letters in volleyball, basketball and softball. She was a part of Indiana State Champion teams in softball (1998) and volleyball (2001) and was named All-County, All-Conference, All State and she was the Indy Star Suburban Female Athlete of the Year.

Gandolph was one of Volleyball Magazine's Fab 50 and All-Americans as well as a Fox Sports All-American as a high school player. She played for the Circle City Volleyball Club from 1996 to 2001 and was a JO All-American in 1999. She was also a 1998 USA High Performance Invitee and a member of the 2001 USA Junior National Team.

Gandolph comes from the University of Georgia where she served as the second assistant for the Dogs' volleyball program for a year. As second assistant she served as travel coordinator and participated in on-court coaching, opponent scouting and non-conference and SEC film exchange. She began her coaching career in August 2005 as the second assistant for the University of New Orleans volleyball program and served in that position for two years.

Other volleyball experience includes serving as a volleyball camp counselor at University of Michigan volleyball camps and camp coordinator for the All-American Volleyball camps.

"I have known Jen since her playing days at Michigan, and Samford is very lucky to land such a great coach and wonderful person," said Schroeder.