FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: November 6, 2007
CONTACT: Jeff Duggan, SID
PHONE: (303) 273-3095

Johnson resigns position as Head Volleyball Coach at CSM

GOLDEN, Colo. - Shelly Johnson has resigned her position as the Head Volleyball Coach at Colorado School of Mines, as announced today by Director of Athletics Tom Spicer.

Johnson's resignation, effective December 31st, 2007, comes after guiding the Orediggers to a 65-80 overall record during the past five seasons (2003-07). The fourth head coach in the 32-year history of Mines volleyball, Johnson is relocating to California with her family to pursue other interests.

In her first year at the helm in 2003, Johnson's team recorded a 10-game improvement over the previous season. Two years later, Colorado School of Mines won a school-record 20 matches en route to the program's first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament. During Johnson's first four seasons, 10 players earned All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) recognition.

Prior to her arrival at Colorado School of Mines, Johnson spent three seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Wayne State College (Neb.). As a player for the Wildcats (1988-91), Johnson earned NAIA All-American honors following her junior campaign. Johnson was inducted into the Wayne State College Athletics Hall of Fame in the fall of 2007.

"We are very grateful for the time and effort that Coach Johnson has dedicated to our volleyball program," said Spicer. "We wish Coach Johnson and her family all the best in their future endeavors."

For more information, please visit http://athletics.mines.edu or contact CSM Sports Information Director Jeff Duggan at jduggan@mines.edu.

-- OREDIGGERS --