GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Eddie Pennington has been named the first head coach in the history of the Tusculum University men's volleyball program announced TU vice president of athletics and university initiatives Doug Jones.
Men's volleyball was introduced as Tusculum's 22nd sport earlier this fall and will begin competition during the 2019-2020 academic year.
Pennington brings an impressive resume which includes coaching experience at both the NCAA Division I and II levels including the past two years on the staff at D-I Butler University. In his first season at the Indianapolis school, he helped the Bulldogs to a 23-8 record and advanced to the 2017 Big East Conference Tournament, Butler's first postseason appearance since 2013. He mentored three All-Big East performers including two that garnered AVCA All-Region honors.
"We feel like we have found the right person to start our men's volleyball program. Eddie's energy and drive really stood out during the interview process," said Jones. "He has gained a lot of experience in a short amount of time and has been mentored by some very good coaches. Eddie will have our full support and we are excited about the future of our men's volleyball program."
The Denver, Colorado native also spent two years (2015 & 2016) on the staff at the University of Illinois Springfield and also served as the head coach of the Springfield Elite VBC.
""I am extremely humbled, honored, and grateful for this opportunity to build the men's volleyball program at Tusculum University," said Pennington. "I would like to thank Doug Jones and everyone that was a part of the search committee for entrusting me to start the program. I can't wait to get our first class on campus, and continue to build upon the many great traditions here within Tusculum Athletics."
Before coaching, Pennington graduated from Belmont Abbey College in 2015. While at Belmont Abbey, he was a two-year captain for the men's volleyball program and a student assistant for the women's program. He also served as head coach for Lake Norman Volleyball Club and assistant coach for the varsity program at South Point High School in Belmont, North Carolina.
Prior to his collegiate playing career, Pennington coached a U15 team at the Colorado Volleyball Association. While at the CVA, his team earned a bronze medal at the Colorado Crossroads National Qualifier and placed 13th at Junior Nationals. Pennington was also an assistant varsity coach for the men's and women's volleyball program at Bishop Machebeuf High School in Denver, Colorado, helping the men's team to a 24-2 record and a state championship in 2010.
He has worked numerous volleyball camps throughout the country including Butler University, the University of Illinois, College of Charleston, University of Tennessee, North Carolina State University and the University of Alabama Birmingham.
