KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - Truman State University volleyball head coach, Ben Briney, has announced the promotion of Jennifer McBeth from volunteer assistant to full-time assistant for his 2019 staff. Jen, the wife of Truman men's basketball assistant, Austin McBeth, takes over for Erin Higgins who left for Division I DePaul in February.

"We are excited to have Jen join our program as the full-time assistant coach!," said Briney. "She was a huge asset last season as the volunteer. Whenever you are able to bring someone on that already has an understanding of what you do in the gym, it makes the transition much easier. Her understanding of DataVolley will help us to continue to gain insight into what we need to improve upon as well as see what our opponents are doing on the court. Jen's experience at the DI level and within our conference during her time at UIS has allowed her to be a part of several very successful programs. On top of that, she played at the University of Tampa in a National Championship match. Those combined experiences allow her to bring a great mix of volleyball knowledge to this program."

Following her time at Tampa, McBeth worked as an assistant director of operations for the University of Central Florida for two years where she graduated with a degree in exercise science. After that, she was a volunteer assistant for the University of Illinois Springfield for one year.
 
As a two-year member of the Spartans (2012-13), McBeth and her teammates went a combined 64-6 overall and 32-0 within the Sunshine State Conference (SSC). Those two stellar campaigns were capped by back-to-back SSC titles, two-straight NCAA Elite Eight appearances and a national runner-up finish to nine-time national champion, Concordia-St. Paul, in 2012 after winning the first two sets. Individually in those two seasons, McBeth racked up 63 matches played, an appearance in 182 sets, 141 assists, 33 service aces, and 584 digs.

"I am so excited and honored to continue working with the Truman volleyball team as its new assistant coach!," said McBeth. "I'm really thankful to Ben Briney and the program for the opportunity to not only help lead them in their success, but to mentor and build relationships with the girls. I have big shoes to fill and I will work hard to keep the standard that has been set. I can't wait for August, let's go 'Dogs!"

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