Youngman
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Youngman.jpgYoungman

NEWBERRY — Callie Youngman has been hired as the assistant volleyball coach for Newberry College, coming to the college after four seasons as an assistant coach at Saginaw Valley State.

“Callie stood out to us very early in the search process. Her experience as both a Division II player and coach as well as her desire to mentor student-athletes in leadership roles set her apart,” head volleyball coach Todd Hay said in making the announcement. “I feel that she will compliment my coaching style very well and bring thoughts and ideas to areas that are not my strengths. Those are the qualities you definitely want in a coach. We are absolutely thrilled to have Callie as a member of the Wolves family.”

Youngman worked with all facets of the Cardinals’ defensive systems, especially with blockers and liberos. SVSU had 10 All-GLIAC honorees, the first GLIAC Libero of the Year in SVSU history and an Academic All-American.

In 2015, SVSU qualified for the NCAA Midwest Regional Tournament for the fourth time in SVSU history) with a 22-9 overall record.

The Cardinals finished first in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and 15th in the nation in digs per set and third in the GLIAC and 37th in the nation in blocks per set.

“When Coach Hay and I had our first conversation on the phone back in April, I had a strong feeling that our coaching styles and philosophies would complement each other very well,” Youngman said. “The vision for volleyball and coaching began to crystallize. But once I got on campus and started meeting the staff and faculty of Newberry College, that volleyball vision began to meld with the bigger vision I have for my life and work.

“The opportunity to join the Wolves Family leaves me with a deep sense of gratitude for Coach Hay and athletic director Matthew Finley and a great sense of responsibility to help our volleyball program reach a consistently elite level at the conference, regional and national levels,” she continued. “Coach Hay has been building something special and I hope I can help fulfill the vision for Wolves volleyball.

Youngman said to be in the position as a direct result of the Division II Coaching Enhancement Grant adds an additional layer of honor and responsibility.

“With my background in education, I believe strongly in the power of equity in opportunity and I hope to fulfill the expectations of enhancing not only the performance but also the overall college experience of our student-athletes within the volleyball program,” she said. “On the court, in the classroom, in the greater Newberry community and on the recruiting trail, I am honored to serve, excited to work and so ready to compete.”

Youngman spent a season as the assistant varsity volleyball coach at Cadillac (Mich.) HIgh School. During that time, the team claimed a conference championship, district and regional titles, as well as a state quarterfinal appearance.

Concurrently, since 2004 she coached youth volleyball camps in Cadillac and has served in the private sector, giving volleyball lessons in Cadillac and Marquette since 2006.

Prior to Cadillac High School, she spent two years at the Articatz Club, helping youth girls and high school volleyball players from northern Michigan execute basic skills at the elite level while grooming athletes for contention of state titles and preparing young players for life off the court.

Youngman graduated from Northern Michigan University as a two-sport athlete, playing both volleyball and basketball. In volleyball, she played right side hitter and setter and was a defensive specialist who led her team to a 20-12 record and second place finish in the GLIAC North Division during her sophomore campaign. She earned a varsity letter during her sophomore season as well.

In basketball, she was named to the GLIAC Basketball All-Academic Team her junior year and the GLIAC Basketball All-Academic Excellence Team her senior year, while earning varsity letters both years.

A native of Cadillac, Mich., Youngman received a bachelor of arts degree in Secondary Education, History, Political Science and English from Northern Michigan University in 2012, completing the NMU honors program. She received a Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees Award for Outstanding Graduating Female Senior in the same year.

Youngman also served on the National Park Service trail crew for two summers at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. She was a Crew Leader for the Student Conservation Association, leading groups of high school students doing trail/conservation work in the summer at Denali National Park (2009, 2010) in Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park (2011) in Alaska, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (2012) in Michigan, Chugach National Forest (2014) in Alaska and Hiawatha National Forest (2016) in Michigan.

This release was provided by Newberry College.