CARLINVILLE, IL – Blackburn College has named Shannon Bishop to lead the volleyball program.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to be the next head coach at Blackburn College," Bishop said. "Blackburn is a place that has a lot of great opportunities and people who care about the growth of the university. I look forward to building a legacy and to helping student-athletes succeed in all facets of life! I would like to thank the Athletic Director, Kim Camara-Harvey, and the search committee for their confidence in myself but most importantly the future of Blackburn College volleyball. Go Beavers!
Bishop comes to Blackburn after spending two seasons at NAIA national power Midland University in Nebraska. While serving as an assistant coach, Bishop helped guide the Warriors a combined 46-18 record and back to back NAIA National Championship appearances, helping to guide the team to a Final Four and Elite Eight appearance. Her role included assisting in technical and non-technical support to the head coach including skill development, recruitment, practice and game planning, and making travel arrangements. As the head varsity reserve coach she also oversaw all varsity reserve practices and games, as well as working with student athletes off the court with their class schedules and communication with the administration counselors.
Prior to her years at Midland, she served as a Graduate assistant at William Penn University in Iowa. During this time, William Penn went 35-21 and boasted a school record for most wins in a season by going 18-12 during the 2021 season. In addition to her role as assistant coach where she aided the head coach in recruiting, skill development and other on court and off court duties, she also earned her Master's Degree in Sports Management.
She began her coaching career while attending Lakeland University. In addition to playing for the Muskies, she also coached at the club level for the Wisconsin Volleyball Academy then continued with Spike-town USA as she was finishing her undergraduate degree in Sports Management and Leadership.
Bishop finished her playing career with 1,282 kills which currently ranks fourth in school history. She was named to her league's All-Freshman team her first year and was also three-time First Team All Conference selection.
"We are so excited to welcome Shannon Bishop as our next head women's volleyball coach," said Camera-Harvey. "Shannon brings championship coaching experience and a wealth of volleyball knowledge to Blackburn. We believe that she will build great relationships with our student-athletes and bring positive energy and strong leadership as we continue to move this program forward."
In addition to leading the volleyball program, Shannon will also assist with the Sports Information Office where she will oversee gameday staff and social media.