Billington Resigns As UNCP’s Head Volleyball Coach

PEMBROKE – Athletic department officials at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke announced on Friday afternoon that Jeff Billington has resigned his position as head volleyball coach to pursue other professional career opportunities.

Billington, who has been at the reigns of the Lady Braves since the start of the 2005 campaign, helped lead the Black & Gold to its best league finish in 17 years this past season as UNCP turned in a 16-16 record (7-7 PBC) and a third-place finish in the final conference standings. He nabbed his 100th victory at UNCP with a 3-0 shutout of Francis Marion in the opening round of the 2011 PBC Tournament in Augusta, Ga.

"I would like to thank Dan Kenney, Dr. Tommy Thompson and former Chancellor Allen Meadors for providing me the opportunity to become a "Brave" and to take over the volleyball program seven years ago," Billington said. "We set some school records, broke a few conference records and went from seventh in the conference to third. This would never had taken place without the dedication and hard work of the former and present student-athletes that helped turn our program into one of the top 10 programs in the region.

"A deep debt of gratitude goes out to my assistant coach, Kris Wojieck, whose endless support, dedication, long hours in the office and in the gym helped to make my job much easier. Thank you to our support staff sports information directors – Todd (Anderson), Jenna (Davisson), Colin (Bonnicksen) and Matt (Pellegrin) - and our athletic trainers - Skye (Livermore) and Pierre (Ortiz).  Finally, to my fellow colleagues within the department, you are some of the most dedicated coaches that I have ever been around. I wish you continued success in producing champions at UNCP!"

A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately. The application process for prospective candidates will be available beginning next week.