Jan. 21, 2004
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -
Michelle Durban was announced as the sixth head volleyball coach at Samford University by Director of Athletics Bob Roller on Wednesday afternoon.
Durban spent four years at the University of Alabama under head coach Judy Green serving the last as Associate Head Coach. During that time she coached six All-SEC players, two academic All-Americans, and one honorable mention All-American.
"I am excited about the opportunity to coach at Samford," said Durban. "I look forward to the challenges of competing in the Ohio Valley Conference. Samford is a great institution especially academically and that will help when recruiting top student athletes."
A standout student-athlete at Indiana University, Durban knows all about the benefits and challenges of being a part of a strong athletic tradition. She also understands what it takes to be successful on that level.
Durban went to Alabama in February of 2000 following a three-year stint as the top assistant coach at Butler University. While at Butler, Durban helped guide the Bulldogs to the 1997 Midwestern Collegiate Conference regular season and tournament titles and their first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
"This is a very positive step forward for our volleyball program to attract someone with Michelle's credentials to Samford. She is a tireless worker who agrees with our goals to make Samford a championship contender in the Ohio Valley Conference," said Roller.
Prior to her stay at Butler, she began her coaching career as the varsity and junior varsity volleyball coach at Bloomington (Ind.) South High School.
A starting setter and four-year letter-winner at Indiana, Durban (formerly Michelle McElroy) finished her playing career as the Hoosiers all-time assist leader. She was also listed 10th on the Big Ten all-time list for assists.
Durban graduated from Indiana with a bachelor's degree in recreation and sport management in 1996. She earned her masters in recreation administration and sport management from IU in 1997.
Michelle and her husband, Jason, were married in 1997. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Alyson on Sept. 18, 2002.
