DOUGLAS TAKE SABBATICAL, PAOLINI TO SERVE AS INTERIM HEAD COACH FOR LANCER VOLLEYBALL

WINDSOR, Ont. – Marilyn Douglas, head coach of the Windsor Lancer women’s volleyball team will be starting her sabbatical for the fall semester effective Sept. 15.

In her absence, former Lancer captain and current Lancer women’s volleyball assistant coach Kelly Paolini will take over at the helm as the associate head coach for the Lancers.

While on sabbatical, Douglas will focus on completing her master's degree in human kinetics with a focus on sport leadership. During this time, she will also complete her qualifications for her NCCP Level IV certification and depart in October for the 2009 World Masters Games in Australia, whereby she will compete with a former Canada West team-mate in women’s beach volleyball.

For coach Douglas, she is looking forward to the opportunity to enhance her coaching and educational portfolio.

“While it’s difficult to leave my team and these young student-athletes, I am very excited about this fall and the opportunities I’m going to be able to take advantage of during my sabbatical,” said Douglas.

For Paolini, she jumped at the chance to serve as interim coach for the Lancers and she is excited about the chance to give back to other athletes.

“One of the best experiences I’ve had was being able to play varsity volleyball with a talented group of athletes, sacrificing as a team to achieve one common goal," said Paolini. “This kind of experience is life changing and rewarding, and if I can in any way enrich and enhance the life of these young athletes through the same experience, it will be truly satisfying.”

Paolini captained the Lancers to their very first OUA championship in 2005-06. Her team that year went an amazing 10-2 in the second half of the season to advance to the post-season and earn a spot in the OUA Final Four for the first time in program history.

The Lancers then went on to defeat Toronto for the program’s first ever provincial championship and a berth in the CIS national championship tournament.

Paolini began coaching alongside Douglas as an assistant and paired with her playing experiences, is prepared for her for upcoming role.

“As an athlete I learned the importance of time-management, organization and work ethic,” said Paolini. “As an assistant under Marilyn, I’ve learned how to provide feedback and strategic ideas to team and individual player’s progress, as well as providing the team with accurate scouting reports to prepare them for competition.”

In addition to moving up the ladder in the OUA standings, Paolini hopes to pass along what she has learned throughout her volleyball career to the young team.

“I am confident in my abilities and knowledge of the sport to be able to relay the necessary feedback to my players in order for our team to be successful. I am really looking forward to seeing their progress throughout this season as we move forward.”

Source: Windsor Lancers