BOONE, N.C. ? After earning Southern Conference Coach of the Year accolades in his first season at Appalachian State University, head volleyball coach Matt Ginipro has signed a three-year contract extension to remain at Appalachian through the 2010 season, director of athletics Charlie Cobb announced on Thursday.

"Coach Ginipro did an excellent job in his first season at ASU and we're pleased to have him on board for at least three more years," Cobb said. "He's a great fit for Appalachian and I'm confident that he'll lead the program to future championships."

In his first season at the helm of the Mountaineers, Ginipro led the squad to a 19-14 overall record, which included a 14-4 mark in SoCon play, which was good for a tie for second-place in the conference's regular-season standings. He was named the SoCon Coach of the Year after the Apps rebounded from a 2-9 start to win 17 of their final 22 matches.

Ginipro's squad opens the 2008 campaign on August 29 versus Eastern Michigan at the Tribe Invitational in Williamsburg, Va.