Jan. 28, 2002
Georgia Tech announced Monday the resignation of Shelton Collier, who has served as the head volleyball coach for the Yellow Jackets for the past 11 seasons. During his successful stint at Georgia Tech, Collier compiled an impressive 271-114 (.704) record, and will leave as the most successful volleyball coach in the program’s history.
Collier’s teams at Tech earned six post season appearances, he was named the ACC Coach of the Year, won three ACC regular season championships, and claimed one ACC title in 1995, which still remains the only team conference championship which Tech has captured in women’s athletics. In addition, during his 11 years at the helm of the volleyball program, Collier boasted one of the highest graduation rates within the athletic department as every four-year letterwinner earned degrees.
Collier took over a program in 1991 which had gone 8-30 and had never won an ACC match, and in his first year recorded a 27-9 record, 3-4 ACC, and an appearance in the semifinals of the ACC tournament. For those achievements, Collier earned AVCA South Region Coach of the Year. In addition, Collier received a program which was ranked #248 and in just five years had earned a #16 national ranking.
In 2001, the Yellow Jackets finished the league with a 19-8 record, including a first-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
“We are going to miss Shelton,” said athletic director Dave Braine. “The entire Georgia Tech family is appreciative of what he has done for Georgia Tech volleyball, and he is leaving us a program which is in good shape and will continue to be successful in the future. I respect the decision that Shelton has made and wish him well in the years to come.”
Collier, who came to Georgia Tech after spending three years (1988-1990) with the USA Women’s National Team, completes his coaching career with a 565-207 record. He is one of only 15 active coaches with 550 career victories and he ranks 15th among active coaches in career winning percentage (.732). Prior to his stint with the national team, Collier spent nine seasons (1980-88) as the head coach of the University of Pittsburgh where he compiled an impressive 296-93 (.761) record and led the Panthers to four Big East championships and five NCAA tournament appearances.
Collier will be moving to Charlotte, N.C., to join his fiancee, DiAnn Gorham, who is a captain in the Charlotte fire deparment. He plans to explore a wide range of options once he gets settled in North Carolina.
“Our original plan was for DiAnn to move to Atlanta, but recently we learned she is on track for a promotion from captain to chief, and with that being such a unique and prestigious opportunity for her, I feel it is best for me to make the move.”
“It has really been a great experience coaching here at Georgia Tech,” said Collier. “There were so many players who really had a special influence on me, and who I will always remember. I have had such great support here, and I am proud that we were able to build a nationally respected program here.”
“For our current players and for the new coach, the future is very bright for Georgia Tech volleyball. Dave Braine and the entire administration are very supportive of volleyball here, we have some very talented players returning, and we signed a group of excellent recruits for next season. Also, we are an established NCAA Tournament team, we lead the ACC in attendance, and have a tremendous support staff in place. I envision great success for Georgia Tech volleyball in the future.”
