Women's Volleyball

Siena Heights athletic director Sue Syljebeck has announced the hire of Corey Ness as head coach of the Saints' women's volleyball program. Ness will take over the program from Kim Berrington, who has retired after a coaching career which spans 40 years, including the last 10 at SHU.

Berrington finishes out her collegiate coaching career with a 687-514 record. She was 193-103 as the Saints' women's coach.

"I couldn't have been able to do this for 40 years without the support of my husband, Chuck, and my daughter, Kelsey," Berrington said. "I couldn't have had the career without really good athletes and really good assistant coaches.

"I'm lucky that I'm in a situation with one of my former athletes following in my footsteps and being able to be the leader here. I'm really proud of Corey and excited to see what she does as she puts her stamp on the program.

During the past five seasons, Berrington was joined by Ness, her former Eastern Michigan player. The SHU women's volleyball team enjoyed a 99-40 mark since then. In that time, the Saints have garnered 10 All-WHAC First Team awards and seven Second Team accolades. Ness was the 2021 AVCA Mideast Region Assistant Coach of the Year.

"We've had a special coach waiting in the ranks," Syljebeck said. "Having played for Kim at Eastern Michigan and having coached with her, Corey has already engrained herself in the institution of Siena Heights and within Athletics with her can-do attitude."

Ness is a 2009 graduate of EMU, where she played under Berrington for four seasons. The Eagles won the 2005 MAC Western Division championship during Ness' sophomore year in 2005.

"I've always known I wanted to be a coach -- I just needed a little confidence boost," Ness said, crediting Berrington with providing that boost. "Thanks to Sue for giving me this opportunity and having confidence in me.

"To my family at home -- I've got two little girls and a husband -- they've given up a lot for me to do this and I can't thank them enough."