NEWVA Names Region Coach of the Year
BRISTOL, R.I.- The New England Women's Volleyball Association announced today the 2008 NEWVA Coach of the Year, honoring Tufts University head coach Cora Thompson.
Thompson guided the Jumbos to a 27-2 regular season record, including an undefeated 10-0 record in the New England Small College Athletic Conference. They won their first 15 matches of the season, including their first-ever championship at the prestigious MIT Invitational. Their first loss of the season to the Union, also an NCAA Regional host, was followed by nine more straight wins.
As host of the NESCAC Post-Season Tournament, Tufts earned a quarterfinal win before dropping a five-set thriller to the eventual champion Williams College. Tufts earned then earned its third NCAA Tournament berth, winning its first contest before falling to a strong Wellesley team in five sets.
Thompson currently boasts a 149-49 record in six seasons at her alma mater.
The coach of the year award is voted on by all NEWVA member head coaches. Springfield College head coach Joel Dearing earned second place in the voting. Both Thompson and Dearing will serve as honorary head coaches during the 2008 NEWVA Senior Classic, Sunday, at Wellesley College.
Established nearly 25 years ago, the New England Women's Volleyball Association is open to all collegiate institutions in New England sponsoring Division III women's volleyball. Membership has grown to 60 members in 2008, representing eight conferences.
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Contact: Bret Stothart
NEWVA Communications Liaison
Head Women's Volleyball Coach
Roger Williams University
P: 401-254-5314
bstothart@rwu.edu