Women’s volleyball coach leaves SIU for UIC

Junior middle hitter Kolby Meeks, a transfer from the University of South Alabama, watches as head coach Justin Ingram demonstrates how to serve during practice Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, in Davies Gym. Meeks said she transferred to SIU because she wasnt playing as much as she wanted to at South Alabama and felt she had a better chance playing here with a great team and coach. Were excited to have her, said Ingram. I think she fits in great with the group of girls we have right now. Our team is very welcoming and doing a good job making sure she fits in.

Junior middle hitter Kolby Meeks, a transfer from the University of South Alabama, watches as head coach Justin Ingram demonstrates how to serve during practice Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, in Davies Gym. Meeks said she transferred to SIU because she wasn’t playing as much as she wanted to at South Alabama and felt she had a better chance playing here with a great team and coach. “We’re excited to have her,” said Ingram. “I think she fits in great with the group of girls we have right now. Our team is very welcoming and doing a good job making sure she fits in.”

By Jonathan Thompson

After five successful seasons with SIU, women’s volleyball coach Justin Ingram accepted a head coaching position at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Saluki athletics announced Tuesday.

In Ingram’s first year, the Dawgs posted a 21-9 record; the year before they finished with a record of 9-18.

The Salukis accumulated a record of 101-59 under Ingram’s tutelage — including the program’s first ever NCAA tournament appearance in 2015.

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He was named the Missouri Valley Conference coach of year in 2015.

This past season Ingram became the fastest coach in program history to reach 100 wins, doing so in 156 matches.

Southern made an MVC tournament appearance all five years under Ingram — including a 2013 championship appearance.

Saluki athletics is working to conduct a national search for Ingram’s replacement.

Staff writer Jonathan Thompson can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @TheReal_Jt3.

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