FRESNO, Calif.-The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds Volleyball team has filled out its coaching staff with high level experience for the 2023 season, head coach Mike MacNeill announced.

Sammie Worley and Gene Nelson will join MacNeill on the bench for the upcoming season.

"I am excited to add Sammie and Gene to my coaching staff this season," MacNeill said. "Both have shown the passion and ability necessary to help others improve not only on the court but academically and in life. It will be remarkable to see how their influence within this program will continue to elevate us to new heights. I am looking to go to battle this fall with both of them in my corner." 

Worley comes to Fresno Pacific after most recently serving as the Graduate Assistant at the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Alabama. Her familiarity with Division II Volleyball will serve the Sunbirds well in the upcoming season. Worley is also familiar with the PacWest locales as she is a native of Oahu, Hawaii.

"We are blessed to have Sammie starting as our assistant coach this season," MacNeill added. "Sammie brings with her an ambitious spirit that will be contagious to our team and attractive to future Sunbirds. Sammie is a rising star of a coach and has a bright future within our program."

Nelson brings nearly four decades of volleyball coaching experience including the past 17 years in the Central Valley. Most recently, Nelson helped San Joaquin Memorial win its first girls volleyball CIF Championship in over 30 years.

"We are excited to bring Gene onto our coaching staff," MacNeill concluded. "His wealth of knowledge on the court and experiences as a great player and assistant at the Division I level will continue to elevate the caliber of our coaching staff."

The Sunbirds begin the season August 29^th in Atherton against Menlo College. The first home game of the year is September 30^th against Westmont College.

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