June 3, 2008

BEAUMONT - Former Colorado State standout Tess Rogers has been named the assistant volleyball coach at Lamar University head coach Justin Gibert announced Tuesday.

A native of Merino, Colo., Rogers comes to Lamar after an impressive four-year career as an outside hitter at Colorado State She helped the Rams to Mountain West conference championships in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and four straight NCAA Tournament appearances. Colorado State was consistently in the NCAA top 25 during Rogers' four year career, reaching their highest ranking at No. 8 during the 2004 season.

"Tess just finished an amazing collegiate career at the highest level and for one of the most respected volleyball programs in the country," Gibert said. "She is extremely competitive and is beginning to follow her life-long aspirations in the coaching field."

Individually Rogers earned 2003, 2004, and 2005 MWC All-Conference honors, was named the 2002 conference Freshman of the Year, the 2003 MWC Tournament MVP and the 2005 MWC Pre-season Player of the Year. She finished her career ranked in the top 10 in seven different statistical categories including kills, kills per game, attempts, service attempts, solo blocks, points scored and points per game.

In the spring of 2006 Rogers trained with the USA National Team, but opted to return to CSU to complete her degree. In addition to her impressive collegiate resume, she boasts international experience, playing for Vanajan RC in Finland during the 2007 season. While in Finland her team won the gold medal and she was selected as one of the top six players in the league.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to coach here at Lamar," Rogers said. "It is an exciting time to be with this program and help it remain at a championship level. With the players that we have and the freshman coming in this year, I look forward to a great season."

"Tess has always wanted to be a coach and knows what it takes to win conference championships," Gibert said. "I don't think we could expect any more from a young coach, and I know she will set high expectations for herself and the team as well as pass along her expertise to a group of talented young ladies. It is an understatement to say that I am very excited to have her as a part of our staff."