BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Sabel Sabin has been promoted to associate head volleyball coach at Samford, head coach Keylor Chan announced on Thursday.
 
"Sabel has been instrumental in our program's success the past five years," Chan said. "She has committed to the values and principles that make Samford University exceptional. Our success on the court, in the classroom and throughout our community is a direct reflection of the work Sabel has produced. Due to Sabel's dedication and efforts I'm pleased to announce her new title of associate head coach."
 
Sabin enters her fifth season on the Samford staff, having served the last four seasons as an assistant coach. Prior to her start with the Bulldogs, Sabin played volleyball professionally for nine years earning several championships and medals throughout her career.  
 
"I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to continue to be a part of this amazing team here at Samford," Sabin said. "I am thankful for the leadership and mentoring that Keylor has provided in my coaching development and it is a true blessing to continue to be a part of such a special place. Go Dogs!"
                       
In her first four seasons with the program, the Bulldogs have won a pair of Southern Conference Tournament titles and NCAA Tournament bids. The 2022 team won the SoCon Tournament, earning the title for the second time in three seasons. Last season in 2023, the Bulldogs reached the finals of the SoCon Tournament before falling to the host school, Wofford. Kaleigh Meritt was named the SoCon Freshman of the Year, while Gracie Lynn Butler was named first team All-SoCon.
                       
In the 2020-21 season, played in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bulldogs posted a record of 15-4 overall and 13-3 in SoCon play. The team won the SoCon Tournament and regular-season titles, earning a third-straight NCAA Tournament bid. Lauren Deaton earned SoCon Player of the Year and honorable mention All-American honors. Kenya McQuirter was named the SoCon Freshman of the Year, while Corinne Meglic and Sierra Rayzor were named second team All-SoCon.
                       
Upon graduating from Northwestern University with a Masters in Sports Administration in 2013, she became the starting middle blocker for CV Haro in Haro, Spain. She earned the championship of the Spanish League in 2013. She started as middle blocker for Koniz, Switzerland from 2011 to 2014 and finished second in the Swiss League in 2014. She was chosen as the Swiss Cup Final MVP in March of 2013.
                       
Sabin competed and won the first USA Premier Volleyball League title for the Hoosier Exterminators in 2012 and 2014 before becoming the starting middle blocker for the Universidad de San Martin Porres in Lima, Peru. She finished her season as Peruvian Champions and received the award of Best Middle Blocker in the league. In 2015, she competed and finished third in the South American Club Championship.
           
Sabin took her success to Switzerland in 2015 as the starting middle blocker for TS Volley Dudingen, finishing in the top three during each season (2015-2019). She appeared in three CEV Cup matches during her time in Switzerland and was the Mobiliar Top Scorer for the team during the 2016-2017 season. Sabin was also named 2016 Swiss Cup Silver Medalist and 2015 Super Cup Gold Medalist.
           
Before bringing her success to Samford, Sabin became the starting middle blocker for Viteos NUC in Neuchatel, Switzerland. There, she helped lead the team to the 2019 Super Cup title, a CEV Cup appearance and a finalist spot for the Swiss Cup Championship in 2020. The Championship and season was canceled due to COVID-19.
           
In addition to her success on the court, she also held the title of Wildcat Juniors Volleyball Club Head Coach in Evanston, Ill. from 2007 to 2011. Sabin was All-American Volleyball Camps head coach from 2010 until 2014. She interned for the Big Ten Network in 2010, Northwestern Athletics Marketing in 2011, and played varsity volleyball for Chan at Northwestern from 2006 to 2010, earning All-America and All-Big Ten honors. In 2022, Sabin was inducted to the Northwestern University Sport Hall of Fame
           
Sabin is married to fellow associate head coach, Ben Sabin. The couple has one son, Asher.
 
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