Georgia State volleyball alum, Brianna Jones, was recently named the head volleyball coach at Stevens Institute of Technology. This week we caught up with the Atlanta native to discuss her GSU experience and her new position.
Jones joined the Panthers as a junior transfer from Pfeiffer in 2014. While in Atlanta she helped propel Georgia State to the program's first Sun Belt Tournament. Looking back on her GSU career, her favorite memory was a preseason trip that the team took to the lake. As a student-athlete at Georgia State, Jones was able to create key connections with professors and learn several life lessons.Â
"I learned so much as a student-athlete," said Jones. "Time management, communication skills, productivity, and determination are some key skills I use from my time."
Upon graduating with her undergraduate degree in psychology, Jones furthered her education and began her coaching career at Columbus State University. While at Columbus State she served as a graduate assistant and earned her master's in public administration. Next, she joined the Emory University coaching staff, where she served as the assistant coach over the past three seasons. Jones made a massive impact on the program. Notably, she helped the Eagles win the 2018 Division III national championship. Her strong performance as a coach landed her on the AVCA's 2019 'Thirty Under 30' list.Â
Jones first considered coaching during her senior year after GSU head coach Sally Polhamus discussed the career with her. Polhamus and the remainder of the Georgia State coaching staff also influenced Jones' coaching style. Jones uses the blocking techniques and eye sequencing skills, which she learned from the GSU coaching staff, in her own coaching. Now Jones is poised to make the same impact on the players at Stevens, that her coaches made on her.Â
"My new role as head coach is extremely exciting to me," said Jones. "I get a chance to further my career coaching while also helping young women achieve their goals academically. I am thankful for the things I learned on and off the court at GSU. I feel prepared to lead a group of young women on the court!"
Polhamus and the remainder of the Panther family are excited to follow Jones and the Stevens program.Â
"The Georgia State volleyball family couldn't be more excited for Bri and this opportunity to lead the Stevens Institute of Technology volleyball program. She has an incredible foundation of volleyball from a player, college coach and club coach perspective," said Polhamus. "She sees the game at such a high level and knows the training and techniques to be successful. Above all else, she truly cares for her players and connects with them in an inspiring way. We can't wait to continue to follow Bri's success as she makes an impact on the Stevens program."
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