Citing personal reasons, Becky Madden has resigned as the Valparaiso University head volleyball coach. Carin Zielinski-Avery will take over the Crusaders program effective July 1.

Madden, the 2001 Mid-Continent Conference Coach of the Year, compiled a 29-63 record over three seasons at Valpo, where she guided the brown and gold to a 12-17 mark in 2001 and a second place finish in the Mid-Con.

"I have truly enjoyed being a part of the Crusader family and building the team, but the opportunity has arose for me to be with my husband who lives in Louisiana," Madden said. "I know the program is in good hands with Carin, and she will continue to take the program to the next level.

Zielinski-Avery has been Madden's assistant for the past three seasons at Valpo. The Mishawaka, Ind. native was the head coach at Southern California College in 1998 where, while starting four freshmen, led SCC to four victories over NAIA top-20 teams. Prior to Southern California College, Zielinski-Avery spent three seasons at Bethel College in Mishawaka, the final year as the head coach. Her squad finished with a 43-10 record and advanced to the NAIA Great Lakes Region championship and was ranked in the NAIA national top-20. She was named National Christian College Athletic Association Coach of the Year following the 1997 season.

Zielinski-Avery began playing her collegiate volleyball at the University of Kentucky where she played on a NCAA Tournament "Sweet Sixteen" team. She then transferred to Ball State University where she was an All Mid-East Regional selection and a first team All Mid-American Conference performer. She was also named MAC Tournament Most Valuable Player, leading the Cardinals to three NCAA Tournament appearances.

"I am really excited to have the opportunity to become a Division I head coach," Zielinski-Avery said. "I have enjoyed working under Becky over the past three years. She really brought the program to where it is today, and I hope to continue to build upon her success."

"We will miss Becky. She has done a great job of revitalizing our volleyball program," Bill Steinbrecher, Valparaiso University Director of Athletics said. "We are indeed fortunate to have Carin available to step into the head coaching position. She has head coaching experience and already knows our program and competitors' programs quite well. She has a great rapport with our players and has been quite involved in recruiting the 2003 class so she is a natural to take over at this time."