Volleyball Southern Conference

Western Carolina Names Angell Benson As Volleyball Coach

Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina Director of Athletics Jeff Compher has
announced former Catamount volleyball player Angell Kirkpatrick Benson as
the school's new head volleyball coach. Benson becomes the sixth head coach
in the program's history, replacing Michelle Hansen, who recently took the
head coach position at Northern Arizona University.

"Given the late date in which we had to conduct our search, we were
fortunate enough to receive the high level of interest for the position that
we did from Division I coaches," said Compher. "We're extremely excited to
welcome home another Catamount in Angell Benson as our new head volleyball
coach."

Benson, a Waynesville native, comes to Western after serving as the head
coach at Gardner-Webb University for the past six seasons. She posted a
156-69 record with the Bulldogs from 1996 to 2001, coaching them to a South
Atlantic Championship in 1997 (31-7) and in 1999 (42-4). She was named the
conference Coach of the Year during each of those seasons.

The Gardner-Webb athletic program made the transition from a Division II to
a Division I program by the 1999-00 school year. During the time the school
was recognized as Division II, Benson coached six first team All-South
Atlantic Conference players, one of which was named freshman of the year in
1997. She also coached one player of the year during the 1999 season. She
coached a Club 18's Team (RVCV) in Cleveland County in 1999 as well.

Before her career at Gardner-Webb, Benson worked as a graduate assistant
with the Western Carolina volleyball team assisting with recruiting, camps
and scheduling. Benson played for the Catamounts from 1989-1992 as an
outside hitter and served as a team captain during her senior season. She
helped lead WCU to a tie with East Tennessee State for the Southern
Conference regular season championship in 1989.

Benson earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western
in 1993 and later went on to receive her Master of Arts in Education in
1997.

"I'm really thrilled to be coming to Western Carolina," stated Benson. I'm
glad to have the opportunity to come back to my alma mater, which adds to my
passion for the game and for coaching. I look forward to continuing the
success of the program that has already been established. I truly believe we
can win. Anyone who follows the WCU athletic program can see it is heading
in the right direction and I'm excited to be a part of that process."

Practice for the Lady Cats begins on Wednesday, August 7. Their season kicks
off in Murphreesboro, Tenn., at the Middle Tennessee State Tournament
scheduled for August 30-31. WCU opens its home season with the third annual
Catamount Clash scheduled for September 6-7 in the Ramsey Regional Activity
Center.