Aug. 18, 2009

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - She set school records, won numerous accolades and helped establish volleyball at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as a dominant force in the conference. It only makes sense that Head Coach Don Metil would want to keep her around after graduation. By naming her the new graduate assistant coach for women's volleyball, Christina Estebane', nicknamed Bella, becomes the third member of the staff and adds valuable experience and knowledge to the team.

"I am thrilled that `Bella' is joining us," said Metil. "She was the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Year last year, she knows the game, she has played it at the highest levels. `Bella' will bring so much more to the program now that she will be in the coaching capacity."

Estebane' (UMES '09) was a starting setter for the 2007 and 2008 campaigns and led the Hawks to back to back undefeated conference seasons with a perfect 20-0 mark. In 2008 UMES didn't drop a set to a conference opponent until the conference tournament. They posted a combined 49-13 record during her two seasons in the maroon and grey. Estebane' led her squad to the number one ranking in the nation in aces per set in 2007, was the 2008 MEAC Player of the Year, a two-time All-Conference selection and was named to numerous All-Tournament teams.

The El Paso, Tex. native was also an NJCAA All-American in her first season at Midland College.

"Her credentials speak for themselves," said Metil. "But more importantly she is a great person. The team looks up to her and respects her ability and knowledge. Not only will she help with on the floor coaching but she will help make the team better members of the university community and known and respected as true student-athletes."

Estebane' and the rest of the Hawks take to the court on Friday, August 28 in Williamsburg, Va. and face North Carolina A&T at a tournament hosted by William & Mary.