CHICAGO -- University of Chicago Director of Athletics Tom Weingartner announced today that Vanessa Walby has been named head volleyball coach.

Walby has spent the previous three seasons as assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater after serving as a graduate assistant for the Warhawks in 2004.

"I believe that Vanessa Walby is a wonderful match for the University and our athletes," said Weingartner. "She has considerable experience teaching in the physical education curriculum as well as in strength and conditioning and personal training. Clearly, she has had a quality experience competing and coaching at the highest volleyball levels."

Wisconsin-Whitewater reached the NCAA Division III final four in each of Walby's three seasons as assistant coach. The Warhawks won the national championship in 2005, finished second in 2007, and placed third in 2006. During those three seasons, UW-Whitewater compiled a combined record of 111-15.

"I am extremely excited about joining the Chicago family and taking the reins of the Maroon volleyball program," Walby said. "I am proud to be a part of the University's academic and athletic mission, and I look forward to joining them on building the road to success."

Walby played two seasons at Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1999 and 2000. As team captain in 2000, she was selected to the NCAA All-Tournament Team after helping lead the Warhawks to a national second-place finish.

Walby's coaching experience also includes stints as the head coach of the Wisconsin Power club team (17s) in 2004 and the Mad City club (18s) in 2001 and 2003.

Walby earned bachelor's and master's degrees in coaching/health and physical education from Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2002 and 2005, respectively.