June 20, 2012

CHICAGO - UIC volleyball head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley announced the newest addition to the UIC volleyball program, Josh Wielebnicki, who will serve as an assistant coach for the Flames.

"I am very excited about our new addition to the staff," Schumacher-Cawley said. "Josh is the right fit for the UIC volleyball program. He brings experience and passion for our sport. Having grown up in the Chicagoland area, he understands what we are trying to do here at UIC."

Wielebnicki joins the UIC staff after serving as an assistant coach at Evansville for two seasons. During his time with the Purple Aces', he assisted in various aspects of the program, including player development, working primarily with outside hitters, opposite hitters and defensive specialists.

Prior to Evansville, Wielebnicki was the top assistant coach at Western Carolina for one season. In addition to his work with position players, he directed program camps and managed fundraising efforts. Additionally, he was on the forefront of the recruitment process.

Wielebnicki also served as a student manager and student assistant at Illinois State for the women's volleyball program, while also handling vice president and captain duties and playing on the men's volleyball club team. During his tenure with the Redbirds, he assisted the women's team to a 2007 NCAA Tournament appearance, and a second-place finish in the Missouri Valley Conference.

On the men's club team, Wielebnicki paced the men's team to a 2008 third-place finish in the men's Division I-AA, where he played outside hitter, defensive specialist and libero.

A native of Hinsdale, Ill., Wielebnicki attended Hinsdale South High School, before attending and playing volleyball at Lewis University from 2004-06. He then graduated from Illinois State in 2008 with a history degree and a minor in athletic coaching.

--UIC--