JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Volleyball head coach Shannon Mincey has announced that former two-sport star for Carson-Newman Nikki James has been added to 2013 coaching staff as an assistant. James played basketball and volleyball during her career, leading the nation in blocks per set with 1.73 in the 2010 season.

"I've worked with Nikki for six years," Mincey said. "She knows my style. She knows my system. She is probably one of the most decorated players in Carson-Newman history so it's nice to have a player of that prominence to assist me on the court. She is intense and knows the game really well."

As one of two players in program history to be named to the American Volleyball Coaches' Association All-Region team, James will use her playing experience to help the front line of players.

"Nikki will wear multiple hats," Mincey said. "She has almost completed her second master's degree. Her ability to teach blocking will be effective for us. On the court, her vision, scouting opponents and teaching and training will be very influential for us."

James was an All-SAC freshman team selection in 2007, an All-Tournament team selection at the SAC tournament in 2009 and a second team All-SAC performer in 2010. In her final season, James led the team and finished fifth in the conference with a .288 hitting percentage. It is opportunity that she is excited to begin.

"It really means a lot," James said. "I've enjoyed playing for Coach Mincey for four years and to run the same system that I ran will help me teach them everything I know. It really means a lot to be asked to come back."

James played in 28 basketball games during the 2011-12 season averaging 4.5 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting above 50 percent from the floor.

The volleyball team opens the season on September 6 at 2:00 p.m. against Clark Atlanta in the first game of the Carson-Newman Classic.