Aug. 15, 2008

Chicago, Ill. - UIC head volleyball coach Nancy Mueller announced the addition of Sara Hughes and Tim Walenga to the coaching staff on Friday, Aug. 15.

Hughes was named an assistant coach, while Walenga joins the program as a volunteer assistant coach.

Hughes' primary on-court responsibilities include setter training and scouting opponents. She will also serve as the alumni relations and special events coordinator.

"Sara's success both on and off the court make her the right fit for this program," said Mueller. "She will be a great role model for this team because she is positive and has a competitive drive that will enhance this program."

A four-year letterwinner for Valparaiso from 2005-2008, Hughes helped guide the Crusaders to NCAA Division I Championship appearances in 2004 and 2005. Hughes was a 2008 Academic All-Horizon League recipient.

She was also a four-time AVCA Academic Team Award selection and a 2008 Valparaiso University Athletic Department Rebecca D. Carter Sportsmanship Award winner. Hughes was named Horizon League Scholar Athlete of the Week on Sept. 25, 2008. She concluded her career at Valpo with 2,582 career assists, ranking sixth in school history.

Hughes, a Perrysburg, Ohio native, spent the last two years as the Chesterton Volleyball Club coach in Indiana. She also helped coach and run Midwest Volleyball Camps throughout her collegiate career.

Walenga brings over a decade of experience to the UIC volleyball program.

"Tim has been in the college ranks for a long time and his knowledge and experience are definitely going to be a positive influence on both the staff and players," said Mueller. "His reassuring, calm nature will be an added bonus for our staff and we are really looking forward to him getting in the gym to help us out."

Walenga's responsibilities include team defense and serving while he will also assist in opponent scouting.

Prior to UIC, Walenga served as the head volleyball coach for Division III Dominican University in River Forest, Ill. from 2006-08. Under his tutelage, Dominican broke 30 school records and recorded its highest winning percentage since 2004.

A 1995 graduate of Illinois State, Walenga helped guide the USA Volleyball Club Team to four USAV National Championship appearances. He also led the Illinois State men's club volleyball team to a nationally-ranked finish during his collegiate career.

Walenga received his master of arts in athletic administration from Minnesota State University-Mankato in 2001.