GREENVILLE, Ill. -- The women's volleyball program is proud to announce Emily Thebeau as the newest addition to the Greenville University coaching staff. Emily will serve as the graduate assistant effective August 2017. Thebeau is a 2017 graduate of Greenville College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology.
"Emily is the perfect hire for us," said Athletic Director and head women's volleyball coach Tom Ackerman. "She understands our culture, will be excellent in the gym, and has a servant's heart. She was a very good player and an excellent captain. She will make an even better coach."
Upon entering the volleyball program in 2013, Emily spent two years playing a major role in the junior varsity lineup. During that time, Thebeau made significant strides towards earning varsity time.
In 2015, Thebeau cracked the varsity lineup late in the season. During the 2015 SLIAC tournament championship, Emily lead the Panthers to one of the greatest comeback wins in program history, sending the team to the NCAA Tournament for only the second time. During Emily's career at GU she was a member of four SLIAC championship teams, two SLIAC tournament championship teams, two NCAA tournament qualifying team, and the 2015 SLIAC All Tournament team. She served as a team captain during the 2016 season.
Thebeau has coached for H2 STL the last three seasons. Emily has coached six current collegiate volleyball players, two of which are currently attending GU.
Sophomore Allyson Grabowski is one of Emily's former players from H2.
"I first met Emily Thebeau at Panther Volleyball Academy, where she taught me a jump float serve and a love for the game of volleyball," said Grabowski. "In 2015-2016, I was able to have her as my club volleyball coach for H2. She knew that I had always played as a setter, and she wanted me to try out playing libero for her team. She taught me so much during that season, and made my transition to a new position and the college level easier."
"My freshman year at Greenville I had the honor of playing on the same court as her. She is truly an inspiring player and person. Her tremendous passion and knowledge of the game of volleyball will make her a great asset to the coaching staff at Greenville University. I can't wait for her to continue coaching me in the upcoming season."