Michigan State University Athletics
Volleyball Hires Carney As Assistant Coach
12/20/2004 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Dec. 20, 2004
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State volleyball coach Cathy George announced the hiring of Russ Carney as her top assistant coach Monday. Carney comes to Michigan State following 11 years at Western Michigan, where he served as an assistant with George. With the Broncos, Carney's wide-ranging list of duties included recruiting, scouting and video work.
"We are very excited that Russ decided to join us here at Michigan State," said George. "He and I worked together for 11 years at Western Michigan and I really feel that having that kind of continuity is a strength as we come into a new program. I believe we complement each other very well in our coaching styles. We are able to maximize different areas on the bench and in practice. Russ has had a great deal of experience and I know his wealth of knowledge will be a plus for Michigan State volleyball."
"This is a great opportunity to return to the Big Ten and be part of something spectacular at Michigan State," said Carney. "Cathy George is an excellent coach and I'm excited to have the opportunity to continue working with her."
A Tunkhannock, Pa., native, Carney started his collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Mich., in 1978. He assumed the head coaching duties at KCC in 1980 and promptly guided the Yellowjackets to the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship that year. Carney went on to serve as an assistant coach at Wisconsin in 1981 before he was named head coach of the Badgers in 1982, where he remained until 1984.
During his stint at Wisconsin, Carney served as head coach of the 1981 U.S. Olympic Festival men's East team, guiding that squad to the Gold medal. He was a member of both the NCAA Midwest Regional and Big Ten Conference officiating committees.
He has also served as head coach of the USA-Kalamazoo volleyball program.
A setter in college, Carney attended Kellogg Community College (1973-74) before transferring to Ball State University (1976). He earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from BSU in 1978.
Carney and his wife, Sherry, have a daughter, Jessica, 16, and a son, Branden, 12, and will reside in Battle Creek, Mich.
