Volleyball gains ex-Army coach

Although it is January, the Kent State volleyball team may have gotten an ace. The athletic communications department will announce today the signing of former Army volleyball coach and Middlefield native, Glen Conley as the new coach.

“We are very pleased to have Glen join our staff,” Laing Kennedy, director of athletics, said.

“He’s a leader and someone who can be a tremendous asset to our student-athletes,” he added.

The former Army coach posted an impressive 351-182 record over his 17-year career, winning games at a near .660 clip.

Kennedy said Conley stuck out from a “tremendous pool of applicants” that neared 50.

His strong leadership skills as well as his “quality as an individual” set him apart from the rest of the applicants, Kennedy said.

A 1979 graduate of MAC rival Bowling Green, Conley has posted an impressive resume.

During his eight years at Army, Conley led the Knights to the Patriot League tournament every year. He is a three-time Patriot League Coach of the Year, winning back-to-back honors in 2004 and 2005.

Conley has been tabbed Coach of the Year five times during his career, winning his first two (1990, 1991) while at the helm of Edinboro’s volleyball team.

Conley now looks to bring his expertise to a young Flashes squad.

Kent State has been searching for a new coach since Nov. 16, 2006, when Mora Kanim, the volleyball coach with the most wins in Kent State history, resigned after her 10th season.

During her time at Kent State, Kanim posted a career mark of 139-156.

Jonas Fortune