University of Mary Washington Director of Athletics Ken Tyler announced today that the combined position of head volleyball coach/head softball coach will be split into two positions. Head Coach Dee Conway, who has served admirably in both capacities for 26 years, will remain as head softball coach and will complete her final season as head volleyball coach at the conclusion of this season. A national search for a new head volleyball coach will be launched shortly. This planned reorganization completes a university initiative begun ten years ago to eliminate dual sport head coaches.

Dee Conway’s current record as head volleyball coach is 451-346, and she is the all-time leader in wins at UMW. Her teams have captured one CAC tournament and two regular season championships and participated in two NCAA tournaments. Conway has been named CAC volleyball coach of the year twice.

Tyler stated, “Coach Dee Conway has done an incredible job for over two decades coaching two NCAA sports at a high level, and she has mentored hundreds of young women in a positive and nurturing fashion. Dee has certainly earned this transition, and we look forward to her continued contributions to our athletic department and university.”

Conway added, "I am excited for volleyball, softball and the entire UMW community. The volleyball program will get a fresh start. I can also make necessary changes with softball. We have seen so many good changes in the AHPE department. Count this as another good move on Ken Tyler's part."