FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2013
Courtesy of Saint Michael's Athletics Communications
COLCHESTER, Vt. - Saint Michael's College women's volleyball alumna Kelly Garthwait '10 was named the program's new head coach following a pair of seasons as an assistant with the program, Assistant Director of Athletics Meggan Dulude '07 announced on Wednesday.
Garthwait replaces Andy Mink, who stepped down after leading the team to 24 victories during two years with the squad.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be taking on the role as head coach of the women's volleyball team," said Garthwait. "The Saint Michael's College community has had such a profound impact on my life, and it was without hesitation that I knew I wanted to give back to this special place. As head coach, I am excited to watch these student-athletes be successful on the court, in the classroom and around campus. I am eager to see how the team comes together this fall."
A four-year player and former captain of the program, Garthwait gained experience as an assistant coach for the Purple Knights in 2010 and 2012, helping the team total 22 victories during those seasons.
"Volleyball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and one of my dreams has been to lead a team as a head coach," said the new coach. "The experience I had at Saint Michael's College and in the athletics program was nothing short of amazing. This is the kind of community where you always feel like your voice is heard and that you matter. I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to be part of this wonderful staff."
"We are very pleased to welcome Kelly back to serve as our head volleyball coach," said Dulude. "As a former player and assistant coach for the program, Kelly knows what it takes to compete in the Northeast-10 Conference. She will serve as a great role model for our student-athletes, and we look forward to her bringing our volleyball program to new competitive heights."
Garthwait, a libero and defensive specialist for the Purple Knights, graduated magna cum laude in 2010 with degrees in psychology and elementary education. She was a member of the Psi Chi and Kappa Delta Pi national honor societies, and also of the psychology and education honors programs. She landed on the Dean's List seven times, and was an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District selection as a senior. Garthwait was also an NE-10 Commissioner's Honor Roll qualifier several times.
On the court, Garthwait played in all 384 sets between 2006 and 2009. As a senior captain in 2009, she led the squad with 338 digs, and was second with 30 service aces. Garthwait was second in assists as a sophomore, and second in service aces as a freshman. Originally from Cheshire, Conn., Garthwait currently lives in Burlington and is an elementary school teacher.
