Bangert named Director of Volleyball Operations
By: Aaron Bennett
Updated: January 15, 2013
Champaign, Ill. (UI Release) - The University of Illinois
Volleyball program announces the hiring of Johannah Bangert
'11 as the new full-time Director of Volleyball Operations, effective
immediately.
Bangert, the Big Ten all-time blocking leader, returns to her alma mater
after a season of playing professional volleyball in Sweden.
"Having Jo come back to be part of the program, it's exciting to me in a couple of ways," said Head Coach
Kevin Hambly. "First, she's going to do a great job. Her personality and her skill set fit the job perfectly. She's eager to do it,
and the things about the job excite her, which means that she'll excel.
"But
on another level, it's great to have a former player be part of the
program. She knows what it's like
to be an Illinois athlete; she can help convey that message to the
players. She knows what it's like to be around me, and can help me with
the players as well. I'm very excited to see what she brings."
Bangert
will perform several functions for the Illini coaching staff, including
coordinating scheduling,assisting
with visiting teams' travels to Champaign and compliance. She will serve
as the marketing, equipment and event management liaison, while also
working directly with the Illini Networkers, the volleyball booster
club.
The
Washington, Mo., native hadan illustrious career for the Fighting
Illini from 2007-10, leading the Illini
to the Sweet Sixteen and top-3 Big Ten finishes in each of her final
three seasons. The 6-1 middle blocker broke the Big Ten career record
for block assists, finishing with 613. Bangert led the nation in blocks
in 2008 and 2009, earning Honorable Mention All-America
honors in 2009. The following season, she became just the fourth Illini
to be named CoSIDA Academic All-American, garnering first-team honors.
Following her career at Illinois, Bangert signed a professional volleyball contract with the Ljungby Volleyboll
Klubb in Sweden, where she played in 2011-12.
