March 27, 2008

Moraga, CA - The Saint Mary's athletic department is pleased to announce the contract extension of women's volleyball Head Coach Rob Browning. Browning received a three-year extension to his current contract, as he joined Gael athletics in the spring of 2004 and will continue his tenure through 2011.

"I am very pleased with the demonstrated leadership that Rob Browning as shown in his time at Saint Mary's," said Saint Mary's Director of Athletics Mark Orr. "I look forward to watching the program grow under Rob's leadership."

Browning has done an excellent job of recruiting high level student athletes, as four of his seven recruits have earned West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team Honors. Megan Burton was Browning's first newcomer to be recognized, as she garnered the award following her freshman campaign in 2006. Burton was an instrumental player for the Gaels at the net, recording 115 kills and 93 blocks.

Browning's recruits continued to excel under his tutelage in 2007, as three of the incoming freshman received WCC All-Freshman Team Honors, including Megan York being named the Co-WCC Freshman of the Year. York's award marks Saint Mary's first freshman of the year, while fellow newcomers Shannon Lowell and Kapua Kamana'o also received recognition. In addition to being named the freshman of the year, York placed among the conference's best, as she was one of 12 players to be named to the WCC First Team.

In his first season at the helm, Browning led the Gaels to their third straight NCAA appearance. Browning also guided six players to WCC All-Conference honors, as Christina Kirk, Missie Stidham, and Mandy Bible were named first team, Kaui Salzman and Cassandra Kolkka were named to the honorable mention team, and Brittany Barker was recognized on the all-freshman team.

"I like what we are doing at Saint Mary's. I want to build something that lasts and we are in the process of doing that," said Browning. "I plan on staying at Saint Mary's for a long time and being a part of an unprecedented era of success."

Browning and the Gaels look to have another promising year ahead, as they did not graduate any seniors from last season. The Gaels' roster now includes, five WCC All-Freshman Team honorees, and with experience in hand, look to make some noise in the very competitive West Coast Conference.