HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College vice president of athletics and facilities Dr. Lynn Griffin announced today that Julia Rafalowski has been appointed as head women's volleyball coach.

"We are excited to have Julia take the reins as the head coach of our women's volleyball program," Griffin said. "After a national search we are convinced that Julia brings the experience and proven success to the program."

Rafalowski most recently served as the head coach for the Sullivan East High School women's volleyball team in Bluff City, Tenn. In six years as the head coach she compiled a 163-116 overall record and was 45-7 in conference. She led her team to four conference championships, three district championships, and to the Tennessee state tournament in four out of six seasons. Many of her players received postseason honors during her time including three conference players of the year, 22 all-conference selections, a conference setter and libero of the year, two conference hitters of the year and two all-state players.

"I am extremely excited to join the Coker family and the Hartsville community," said Rafalowski.  "I am looking forward to working with the young ladies in the volleyball program and bringing them to the next level.  This group of players seems eager to become a top tier program in the SAC and I welcome the challenge to get there.  I am very grateful to Dr. Robert Wyatt, Dr. Griffin and the rest of the search committee for having the faith in me to lead the women's volleyball program."
 
Before coaching at Sullivan East, Rafalowski spent two years as an assistant coach at Carson-Newman. During her time with the Eagles the women went 48-26, earning a bid to the 2008 NCAA Tournament. She also coached three All-SAC selections and an all-region player.
 
As a player Rafalowski was a four-year member of the King University women's volleyball team. She helped guide the Tornado to four Appalachian Conference regular and tournament championships, a regional championship and a trip to the NAIA National Tournament.

Rafalowski holds a bachelor of science in mathematics from King, a master's of arts in teaching from Carson-Newman and an educational specialist degree from Union College.