Jenny Ellis
Director
Coach Jenny Ellis brings solid credentials with her to any volleyball program, having earned her Master of Arts in Counseling/Human Relations from Liberty University. She completed her undergraduate work at Mississippi University for Women where she was a defensive specialist/setter as a four-year starter. While at Mississippi University for Women, Ellis compiled 3,800 total assists and set a school record for assists in one match with 66. Ellis brings with her experience at the Junior College and NAIA level as she previously served as head coach at Catawba Valley Community College during the 2006 and 2008 seasons. While at Catawba, she guided her team to a Conference, Region and District championship. Ellis helped lead her team to the elite eight in the Nationals during her time at CVCC. During these two seasons, Ellis was named Conference, Region and District Coach of the Year.
In addition to her coaching experience at the junior college level, Ellis guided the volleyball program at Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas. She was named Conference Coach of the Year after posting a 19-11 overall record and 13-5 mark in the KCAC. Sterling was picked to finish tenth in the 2009 preseason poll and completed the season in third place.
Next, Coach Ellis took over the Head Coaching position at Southern Wesleyan University in 2010 and coached the team for the past two seasons. In 2010, Ellis led the team to a 21-18 overall record, earning a National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championship Tournament at-large bid. The 2011 team went 25-16, which were the most wins since the 2006 team won 22 games. SWU had a school best 16-game winning streak to start the season, and also earned another trip to the NCCAA National Championship, winning SWU’s first ever NCCAA tournament game. During her time as head coach, Ellis posted a 46-34 (.575) overall record and a 13-12 (.520) Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) record.
In addition to her coaching experience at the junior college level, Ellis guided the volleyball program at Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas. She was named Conference Coach of the Year after posting a 19-11 overall record and 13-5 mark in the KCAC. Sterling was picked to finish tenth in the 2009 preseason poll and completed the season in third place.
Next, Coach Ellis took over the Head Coaching position at Southern Wesleyan University in 2010 and coached the team for the past two seasons. In 2010, Ellis led the team to a 21-18 overall record, earning a National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championship Tournament at-large bid. The 2011 team went 25-16, which were the most wins since the 2006 team won 22 games. SWU had a school best 16-game winning streak to start the season, and also earned another trip to the NCCAA National Championship, winning SWU’s first ever NCCAA tournament game. During her time as head coach, Ellis posted a 46-34 (.575) overall record and a 13-12 (.520) Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) record.
Shannon Hudson
Coach Hudson joins TLVC for her third season. She starts her 10th season as the head women's volleyball coach at Catawba Valley Community College in 2018.
Last season, Hudson guided the Red Hawks to their sixth-straight Region X regular-season championship, and the Catawba Valley volleyball team was undefeated in conference play for the sixth consecutive year.
In 2017, the Red Hawks finished their season with a 41-7 record under Hudson, winning the District P championship — reaching the NJCAA Division II National Championship before finishing a program-best fourth in the country.
Hudson has a career coaching record of 278-60 with the Red Hawks — the winningest women's volleyball coach in school history and the winningest coach in any athletic program at CVCC.
She's coached 31 All-Region performers, six Region X Players of the Year and four NJCAA All-Americans. In addition, Hudson’s student-athletes have achieved high standards in the classroom.
Hudson earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Gardner-Webb University in 2001 at the age 19.
Last season, Hudson guided the Red Hawks to their sixth-straight Region X regular-season championship, and the Catawba Valley volleyball team was undefeated in conference play for the sixth consecutive year.
In 2017, the Red Hawks finished their season with a 41-7 record under Hudson, winning the District P championship — reaching the NJCAA Division II National Championship before finishing a program-best fourth in the country.
Hudson has a career coaching record of 278-60 with the Red Hawks — the winningest women's volleyball coach in school history and the winningest coach in any athletic program at CVCC.
She's coached 31 All-Region performers, six Region X Players of the Year and four NJCAA All-Americans. In addition, Hudson’s student-athletes have achieved high standards in the classroom.
Hudson earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Gardner-Webb University in 2001 at the age 19.
Abby Dowell
Abby Dowell has been with TLVC since the very beginning. She was on the 1st team that TLVC ever hosted and was coached by Coach Ellis. She brings with her years of volleyball experience not only on the court as a player, but also as an athlete. She competed all 4 years of high school at Fred T. Foard and also played travel for TLVC through her senior year. She had the opportunity to play under the leadership of Coach Shannon Hudson at Catawba Valley Community College. She also came on board as a coach last season and coached the 16's team. She will be returning for her second season to TLVC.
Cory Creath
Cory Creath will be returning to TLVC with this season and will be begin his 4th season with us. Cory brings to the table a wealth of volleyball knowledge. He has coached at Christian Family Academy and also years of travel ball.
Renee Bennett
Renee Bennett will be joining TLVC for her 1st season. She brings with her 6 years of coaching all the way from Optimist Volleyball to travel volleyball. Over those 6 years she has won 5 Championships at the junior varsity and a varsity level. She has coached travel ball for the past 2 years with the 13U and 16U teams. Her teams have placed in the top three in 6 of the 7 tournaments, moving from a division 4 to 2nd place in division 2. She also has been certified through USAA volleyball, CAP I certified, Impact training, concussion training and referring certified through USAA.
"I truly enjoy coaching and learning new ways to teach young ladies the skills and love for the game. I have a coaching style that promotes a positive environment for athletes to grow, develop, and succeed while emphasizing teamwork through encouragement and respect" states Coach Bennett.
"I truly enjoy coaching and learning new ways to teach young ladies the skills and love for the game. I have a coaching style that promotes a positive environment for athletes to grow, develop, and succeed while emphasizing teamwork through encouragement and respect" states Coach Bennett.
Jayln Rice
Jalyn Rice will be entering her first season with TLVC. Jayln brings with her years of volleyball experience from High School and also travel volleyball. She played at Fred T Foard where she received Honorable Mention All Conference and helped lead her team to the 2A west region semi finals in 2017. She played travel volleyball and her last two years she played for TLVC under the guidance of Coach Pat Morgante. She also had the opportunity to be coached by and play for Coach Shannon Hudson at CVCC. She is very excited to impart her knowledge of the game to young athletes.