JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Aug. 14, 2007) - As the Volley Bucs begin preparations for a defense of their 2006 conference title, head coach Lindsey Devine announced Tuesday afternoon that Tammi Batson has been appointed her full-time assistant coach.

Entering her second season with the program, Batson spent the 2006 season on the bench as a part-time assistant heavily involved in all aspects of the program, including scouting and recruiting in addition to her coaching duties.  Batson's contributions helped the Lady Bucs to a school-record 16-match winning streak and the first regular season conference title in 15 years.

"I am extremely excited that we are able to announce that Tammi Batson is officially the full time assistant with the ETSU Volleyball program," said Devine. "Right from the minute that Tammi joined the staff back in July 2006, it was evident that she is very passionate about the game of volleyball. She has approached the job with great enthusiasm and energy which has been contagious to our players and the recruits we have had on campus."

Batson joined the Lady Bucs in 2006 upon completion of her master's degree in sport management at the University of Florida in May of that year. The Winnabow, N.C., native came to the Buccaneers after spending two seasons assisting with local Gainesville volleyball teams and teaching volleyball classes in the Alan C. Moore Sport & Fitness program at UF. In addition to her educational pursuits. During her time at Florida, Batson aided the volleyball teams at Bucholz High School and coached the Gainesville Juniors Volleyball Club. In her final semester with the Gators, Batson also interned with the UF volleyball program, assisting the coordinator of operations.

Prior to her stint at Florida, Batson was a four-year letterwinner at fellow Atlantic Sun Conference member Campbell. In 2002 she was named the team's most valuable player award, and was appointed a team co-captain prior to her senior season in 2003. For three seasons at Campbell, Batson earned Academic All-Conference honors from the A-Sun. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Campbell in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training.