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Former Racine Park standout and University of Wisconsin defensive specialist Amanda Berkley was announced as an assistant coach for the University of Southern Mississippi last week. Berkley joins fellow Badger State native and head coach Abbey Sutherland, who will enter her first year at the helm of the Golden Eagles program.



Sutherland, a West Bend West alumnus and 2004 graduate of St. Norbert College in De Pere, was Southern Miss' top assistant for the past four seasons before being named as replacement for former head coach Ricci Luyties this May. While an assistant, her duties included on-floor coaching, recruiting, scouting and handling team travel. In all, Sutherland has six years' worth of experience with the Southern Miss family, including two as a graduate assistant during 2004 and 2005 seasons.



"I am extremely excited to become the next head volleyball coach at The University of Southern Mississippi and I am looking forward to building upon an already established program," Sutherland said in a press release on the Southern Miss Web site. "I was able to learn a lot while working under Ricci Luyties, who is one of the most respected individuals of the game. This, along with my six years of experience with the Southern Miss Athletics family, will result in a smooth transition to the head coach position."



Last week Sutherland extended the assistant coach position to fellow Wisconsinite Berkley, stating she is "thrilled to welcome Amanda to the Southern Miss volleyball family."



"[Berkley] possesses the qualities to genuinely connect with the team and further develop them as players and people," Sutherland told the SMU athletics Web site. "She has a solid work ethic and is enthusiastic about elevating Southern Miss volleyball to the next level."



Berkley graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2008 with a degree in kinesiology & physical education and a certificate in health. She spent the past two years as UW-Whitewater's graduate assistant coach and junior varsity coach while also serving as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Warhawk volleyball, football and track programs. 



Southern Miss won its first ever Conference USA regular season title last season, compiling a league record of 14-2 and 27-5 overall. The Golden Eagles return their top three kill-leaders and setter--all of whom were underclassmen last season.