MIDWAY, Ky. -- Midway University is pleased to announce the hiring of Samantha Young as the new head coach of the women's volleyball program.

"I would like to thank Dr. Heath Morgan for the opportunity to lead the Midway women's volleyball program," said Young. "I am excited to build a competitive, positive environment where student-athletes thrive on the court and in the classroom, while emphasizing teamwork, leadership and character and working alongside our talented athletes to continue pushing the program forward."

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Young brings more than a decade of coaching experience at the collegiate, club and high school levels, along with a proven record of program development, recruiting success and student-athlete achievement.

Young comes to Midway following a successful stint as an assistant volleyball coach at Cumberland University, an NAIA institution in Lebanon, Tennessee. She helped guide the Phoenix to the 2022 Mid-South Conference Tournament Championship and the first NAIA National Tournament appearance in program history.

She was recognized for her impact on the program by earning Mid-South Conference Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2023. Young also helped lead the JV program to multiple conference championships and runner-up finishes, while assisting in the development of numerous All-Conference, All-Region and All-American honorees.

Prior to her time at Cumberland, Young served as an assistant volleyball coach at Tennessee Wesleyan University (2021–22) and Spalding University (2019–20). Her coaching background also includes extensive experience at the club and high school levels throughout Kentucky.

"We're excited to welcome Samantha as the next women's volleyball head coach at Midway University," said Dr. Heath Morgan, Vice President of Athletics and Student Affairs. "Her experience, leadership, and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court make her an excellent fit for our volleyball program and our campus community."

Young holds a master's degree in coaching and fitness leadership from the University of the Cumberlands and a bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting from Spalding University.

Prospective students interested in learning more about the women's volleyball program are encouraged to contact Coach Young at samantha.young@midway.edu. Interested student-athletes may also complete the recruiting questionnaire, which can be found here.