EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville Director of Athletics Mark Spencer has announced the signing of head volleyball coach Manolo Concepcion to a contract extension with the Purple Aces.
"I am excited to announce the extension for Coach Concepcion," Spencer said. "He has done a good job in his first two years with the program and are happy to have him continue to lead the team in the future."
Concepcion has brought in talented student-athletes from all around the world into the program since his arrival in the spring of 2013. Despite injuries up and down the roster last season, his team performed well and was recognized for its efforts.
Outside of the classroom, he has seen his student-athletes perform at a top level. His squad finished the 2013-14 season with a 3.7 GPA, the highest amongst UE's 14 sports. He has also seen players perform at their best under his watch as every performer has had their best year with him at the helm.
Senior Ashley Ring earned a spot on the All-MVC First Team after finishing one of the top careers in school history. She completed her career with 1,338 kills, fourth in the record books for the Aces. Genesis Miranda was named to the All-Freshman Team. Due to injuries to her teammates, Miranda played in several different positions including setter. Despite the hurdles, she still finished seventh in the conference with 3.18 kills per set, which was an amazing feat.
Under his tutelage, Katie Klages and Rachel TenHoor had record-setting efforts in 2013. Klages finished her career setting the all-time UE digs mark while TenHoor hit .321 that season, the top performance in the UE record book.
"I am grateful for Mr. Spencer cementing our mutual commitment with this extension because it demonstrates that UE Athletics firmly believes in our vision," Concepcion said. "It is an honor to represent this institution and brand. Our focus will continue to be centered around the molding of transformational leaders on and off the court, with the emotional intelligence to succeed above and beyond the years in college of each of our student-athletes."
"The goal is to create a long-term winning culture through a process-oriented mindset with an emphasis on maximization of potential," Concepcion added. "We are excited about the future of this program!"
