FAYETTE, Mo. � Central Methodist University Vice President/Director of Athletics Ken Oliver announced Thursday that Allison Jones-Olson has been named the new head coach of the volleyball program and senior women's administrator.

Jones-Olson, who will begin her duties immediately, brings extensive collegiate coaching experience having served as head coach at William Jewell College during the past nine seasons.

"I am very excited to welcome Coach Allison Jones-Olson to the Central Methodist Department of Athletics," Oliver said. "Coach Jones-Olson has a very impressive coaching background and was highly recommended by several accomplished coaches and administrators. Central Methodist is committed to winning on the volleyball court and producing stellar student-athletes. I feel very confident that Coach Jones-Olson will lead our program in the right direction."

Jones-Olson served in the same capacity at NCAA Division II William Jewell from 2004-12. She was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Volleyball Coach of the Year in 2005.

"I am very excited to be a new member of the Central Methodist team," Jones-Olson stated. "The level of commitment that the university and administration have toward athletics is very impressive. I look forward to leading this group of student-athletes and representing CMU volleyball in a way that Eagle fans will be proud. I'm also excited to be back in the NAIA and to play in the Heart of America Athletic Conference."

Prior to William Jewell, Jones-Olson served as head coach at Norbone High School in Norbone, Mo., in 2003. She also has previous collegiate head coaching experience at the NCAA Division III level with stops at Washburn University (Kan.) from 1997-2002 and Westminster College (Mo.) from 1992-96. While at Westminster, Jones-Olson served as head coach of the volleyball, softball and women's basketball teams in addition to her duties as senior women's administrator. She was named the Saint Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Volleyball Coach of the Year in 1995.

Jones-Olson had an outstanding college career as a dual-sport athlete (volleyball and women's swimming) for William Woods University (Mo.) from 1987-90. She was a co-captain of the volleyball team for four seasons and ranked 20th in the NAIA in passing percentage in 1988. Jones-Olsen was a member of the NAIA All-District Swim Team in 1987 and 1988.
Jones-Olsen earned her Bachelor's degree from William Woods in 1990 and a Master's degree from Northwest Missouri State University in 1992.

Jones-Olson replaces Diane Shipley, who resigned in November after three seasons as head coach of Central Methodist.