June 19, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State head volleyball coach Cathy George announced today that assistant coach Russ Carney has been promoted to the position of Associate Head Coach. Carney is about to begin his fourth season as a member of the Spartan coaching staff, but his 15th as an assistant coach to George.

"I was very surprised and honored by the announcement," said Carney. "I am looking forward to my continued work with Cathy and MSU athletics, as we work to develop a program that will bring a Big Ten Championship to Michigan State University and our loyal Spartan volleyball fans."

Carney has been an integral part of the continued success of the Michigan State volleyball program. Over his initial three seasons, his primary responsibilities have revolved around recruiting and the development of the MSU front line. The Spartans have appeared in back-to-back NCAA Tournaments, including a run to the Round of 16 last season, and look for three-in-a-row in 2008 after welcoming one of the top recruiting classes in the country to East Lansing.

"Russ has been a loyal and trusted colleague and friend for more than a decade," said George. "He has brought stability, consistency, knowledge and a sense of family to our program and is well deserving of this promotion."

Prior to donning the green and white on the sidelines, Carney spent 11 years as an assistant coach for George at Western Michigan. He helped lead the Broncos to eight consecutive MAC Tournaments, including a league title and NCAA appearance in 2000.

Carney also had prior Big Ten experience before arriving at Michigan State, acting as the head women's volleyball coach at Wisconsin from 1982-84, after a short one-season stint as an assistant coach for the Badgers. Prior to his time at Wisconsin, Carney was an assistant coach at Kellogg Community College from 1978-79 and a head coach there from 1980, guiding them to the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship in his lone season as head coach.