Jan. 14, 2004

ABILENE, Texas - Hugh Hernesman, an assistant coach with the powerhouse Wisconsin-Whitewater volleyball program, has been named the Head Women's Volleyball Coach at Hardin-Simmons, Athletic Director John Neese announced on Wednesday.

Hernesman has been the assistant coach at Whitewater since 1995 and UWW has gone to the NCAA Tournament every year and have been to at least the Elite Eight in six of those nine years. The Ladyhawks had a 305-45 record in his tenure and won the NCAA title in 2002 and went to the Final Four in 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002.

"Hugh is a person that has great credentials as an assistant coach at one of the top programs in the country," said Neese. "He has a strong desire to take Hardin-Simmons' program to the next level. We have every expectation that he can do that."

He was in charge of on-floor coaching, recruiting and offensive strategy. He coached the right side and setters from 1999 to the present and produced four All-Americans and the 2001 National Player of the Year.

Since 1994, Hernesman has served as the men's club volleyball coach at Whitewater and produced a .683 winning percentage. He is also a respected camp instructor and clinician and has taught in the UWW Health and Physical Education Department.

Hernesman has a bachelor's degree from UWW in education with an emphasis in psychology. He also has a master's degree in health and physical education from UWW.

The Cowgirls went 8-18 last year, with 10 of the 14 players on the roster being freshmen. HSU started 0-10, but the players came on strong and went 8-8 the rest of the season, including winning 5-of-7 to end the season

Hernesman replaces Krystal Brodbeck, who coached the Cowgirls for four seasons, posting a 38-76 record.