June 7, 2007

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Virginia associate head volleyball coach Matt Ginipro has been named the head volleyball coach at Appalachian State University as announced today by ASU Athletics Director Charlie Cobb.

"This is an amazing opportunity for Matt," said UVa volleyball coach Melissa Aldrich Shelton. "Matt has been an integral part of our team the past six years and we've been lucky to have him. While I am sad to see him go, I know it is the best decision for him and his family."

Ginipro, who joined the Virginia staff as an assistant coach in May of 2001, was promoted to associate head coach at UVa in March of 2007. He helped lead Virginia to a 105-82 record for a .561 winning percentage during his six seasons with the Cavaliers, including a 23-8 overall record and a 16-6 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2006. Over the past four years, UVa has posted an impressive 87-39 mark for a .690 winning percentage, including three 20-win seasons. The Cavaliers have an outstanding 31-13 record (.705) in ACC play the past two seasons and set a school record with 16 conference wins in 2006.

"The last six years at Virginia have been absolutely wonderful," said Ginipro. "The decision to leave here was extremely difficult, especially leaving the fantastic players that we have on this team. I want to thank Craig Littlepage and the rest of the athletics administration for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this great department. I want to thank each and every player that I have coached at Virginia; they are what make this program great. Lastly, I want to thank Melissa Shelton and Jason Kozak for being great people to work with and, more importantly, great friends.

"I'm excited for the opportunity at Appalachian State and for the future of Virginia volleyball," said Ginipro.