Feb. 27, 2012

CHICAGO - UIC assistant volleyball coach Ellen Hayes is one of 30 recipients in the country for the American Volleyball Coaches Association's (AVCA) "Thirty Under 30" Award, it was announced by the AVCA.

"Ellen goes above and beyond the duties of a volleyball coach," head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley said. "She works relentlessly to make sure our student-athletes are on task in every area. Ellen's commitment to women's and youth volleyball is inspiring. Her drive to help young people with not only volleyball skills, but life lessons is what makes her in my mind, one of the best coaches in the country. Her ability to recruit and connect with prospects, parents and club personnel is the upmost professional."

Among this year's recipients, who in order to qualify had to be 30 years old or younger in 2011, include 19 head coaches and 11 assistant coaches. At the collegiate level, there are 10 NCAA Division I women's programs, three Division II and four Division III schools represented, and four NAIA squads and two two-year coaches. Three Club coaches round out the final 30 recipients.