WINDSOR, Ont. - St. Clair College and Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the addition of two assistant coaches to the women's volleyball coaching staff. After being hired two weeks ago, head coach Jimmy El-Turk has been working diligently to fill out his staff and he has added two outstanding assistants in Stephanie Wilson and Marissa Thomson.
Wilson has been coaching volleyball at various levels for over 14 years, including head coach for Team Windsor-Essex at the 2013 International Children's Games held in Windsor, Ont. She spent many years as a head coach with the South County Volleyball Club, earning many medals including OVA DI Tier II gold. She spent two years leading the University of Michigan women's college club volleyball team through two successful seasons and ranking top 10 at NCVF national championships. Wilson has also spent four seasons coaching with E.J. Lajeunesse S.S., winning three WECSSAA and SWOSSAA "A" championships in four seasons.
As a player Stephanie played for St. Clair College women's volleyball team. She was both an outside and middle attacker and played a significant role in helping the Saints capture a bronze medal at the OCAA championship.
"Stephanie is a well respected volleyball mind in the Windsor community and I'm fortunate to have her joining the coaching staff," said El-Turk "Stephanie possesses a great mind for the game and brings a 'defence-first' philosophy, which is a top priority for our team entering next season, making Stephanie an ideal fit for our staff."
Thomson was born in St. Marys, Ont., and attended St. Michael Catholic Secondary School. At St. Mike's, she was a multi-sport athlete, being named the City of Stratford female athlete of the year in her senior year. Thomson led her team to four OFSAA appearances, capturing two silver medals and one bronze. Thomson took her talents to the University of Windsor where she played for two seasons as both a left side and libero, and is currently entering her fourth year as a student in the faculty of human kinetics.
Thomson coached with Team Ontario Region III beach volleyball in 2014, leading two female beach volleyball teams to a gold and bronze medal at the Ontario Summer Games held in Windsor. Thomson was a member of the coaching staff with the senior girls volleyball team at Assumption High School this past season. Marissa has also spent the past three summers as a coach with the Beach Volleyball Academy in both Windsor and London, working with youth athletes to assist in their continued growth and development as volleyball players.
"I am very excited to have Marissa as a part of our team and coaching staff," said El-Turk. "She is very keen, passionate, and knowledgeable about the game. As an athlete she was a leader who possessed good ball control and I believe she will be able to bring those qualities to St. Clair and use them as teaching tools as she transitions into a coach on our staff."
Source: St. Clair College