March 1, 2005

BEAUMONT - Former Louisiana Tech standout Natalie Shipp has been named the assistant volleyball coach at Lamar University, announced Tuesday by head coach Justin Gibert.

"I'm excited about her being part of the program," Gibert said of his new hire. "She'll bring a lot of energy to practice time and to the recruiting process. She (Natalie) has a really great ability to connect with players and I think she'll be able to relate that to this team."

Shipp, who played as an outside hitter in college, recently completed her playing career in the fall of 2004. A two-year letter winner for the Lady Techsters, Shipp recorded 424 kills and 483 digs in her career. She started 56 of 61 matches, including all 27 as a senior.

Prior to her stint at LT, she spent two seasons at Panola Junior College where she played under Gibert. Shipp earned first team all-region and all-conference honors as a sophomore in 2001. She also helped lead PJC to the regional semi-finals as a sophomore and a regional runner-up finish in 2000 as a freshman.

"She's played for me in the past (at Panola), so I think we're going to be on the same page," Gibert added. "She understands my coaching style and I think that will give our coaching staff consistency. She's got playing experience in the WAC (Western Athletic Conference) and against several SLC (Southland Conference) schools, so she understands the game and our conference."

Shipp's coaching experience includes serving as an assistant coach with the East Texas Juniors volleyball club in Longview, Texas. She assisted with practice and in-game coaching duties. She also has several years of experience assisting with the Louisiana Tech summer camps, where she conducted drills and provided skill instruction.

In her new assistant coaching role, Shipp will serve as the primary recruiting contact for the volleyball program. She will help oversee the Lady Cardinals' strength and conditioning program, assist with on-court training and coaching during practice, and help with in-game coaching responsibilities. Shipp will also assist with day-to-day office duties.

Shipp graduated from Louisiana Tech in the spring of 2004 with a bachelor's degree in marketing. She also earned an associate of science degree at Panola College in Carthage, Texas.

FOR TRANSACTION WIRE
Lamar University - Natalie Shipp named assistant volleyball coach