University of Connecticut Athletics
Grunwald resigns from head coaching position
2/28/2019 6:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Ellen Kimball named as interim head coach
STORRS, Conn.—Kris Grunwald, the eighth head coach of the women's volleyball team, has resigned after six successful seasons at the helm to accept another professional opportunity. Ellen Kimball, who completed her fifth season as an assistant coach for the Huskies, will serve as the interim head coach through the 2019 volleyball season.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such an outstanding group of student-athletes, Kimball said. "I want to thank director of athletics David Benedict and Kris Grunwald for believing in me and I know the team we have in place for 2019 will make UConn Nation proud!"
Kimball rejoined the UConn coaching staff in 2014 after serving as an assistant during the 2011 season. She joined UConn after playing professionally in Europe following a standout career at Ohio University where she broke the program's overall record for attacks in a season at 1,363 in 2008.
Kimball played for two of the premier teams overseas, being named MVP numerous times during her career. Prior to her professional career, she trained with the U.S. National Team and competed with them as well.
"Ellen is a fantastic, energetic coach that possesses a blend of collegiate and professional playing and coaching experience," Benedict said. "Since her arrival back in Storrs for her second stint as an assistant coach, she has positively impacted all aspects of our program. We look forward to her leading this program into the future."
Back in 2010, she traveled to Guangzhou, China (home of the 2010 Asian Games) to compete in an exhibition with the U.S. Women's National Team against the Evergrande Volleyball Club a professional team in the Chinese pro league. The successful trip tabbed her an official spot on the National Team.
While a student-athlete at Ohio she became the All-Time leader in kills, points, and attacks (as of Feb. 24, 2010). An article written on Kimball back in January of 2010 stated she ended her career with a conference record of 1,984 kills on 4,925 total attacks. She racked up 809 digs, 65 service aces, 72 solo blocks, and 141 assisted blocks.
Kimball's collegiate career was highlighted by being tabbed as an All-American twice, in addition to winning several Mid American Conference regular season championships. The two-time MAC Player of the Year also won three MAC tournaments and earned four NCAA tournament berths. Kimball also earned the title of MAC Freshman of the Year in 2006. She was dubbed MAC Tournament MVP in 2008 and 2009 Division I Honorable Mention All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
Kimball earned her bachelor's degree in health administration from Ohio University in 2010.
Grunwald holds an overall record of 111-106 as a head coach and 70-86 during his time at UConn. The Huskies enjoyed back-to-back season with 16 overall wins, including 10 conference wins during the 2015-2016 season.
"This is a unique opportunity for me that led to a difficult decision," Grunwald said. "Although I leave with a heavy heart, I'm excited for the future of the UConn volleyball program and know that Ellen is the right person to help our student-athletes achieve something special in Storrs."
He has coached numerous student-athletes into the UConn school record books in addition to conference recognitions. Most recently, four of Grunwald's student-athletes earned spots on the American Athletic Conference's Weekly Honor Roll in Caylee Parker, Emma Turner, Elizabeth Kline, and Iman McGary. The 2018 season also saw Kline tabbed as Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 19th. Turner and Parker both notched 10+ double-doubles on the season. Three out of the five seniors also reached career milestones in digs and assists. Parker, Kline, and Turner also volleyed their way into the school record books.
