McHenry Times

Abby Gilleland won't get much time away from the volleyball court after wrapping up her stellar playing career.

Gilleland, who starred at Marian Central Catholic High School before going on to success at Ohio University, is now an assistant coach at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Gilleland told the McHenry Times by email that she started in her new job in June.

“I have always had a passion for coaching and helping those around me get better,” Gilleland said. “At the end of the day, I want to give these student athletes positive experiences and help them grow not only as players, but also as individuals.”

She said her duties at William & Mary will include travel, equipment, recruiting and training the setters.

Passing on setting knowledge would be a natural for Gilleland, based on her playing days.

She left Marian Central Catholic ranked in the top 15 all-time in Illinois history in assists, according to OhioBobcats.com. Then, in college playing for the Bobcats, she twice was Mid-American Conference Player of the Year and Setter of the Year, the MAC Tournament MVP in 2015, and a two-time honorable-mention All-American, according to TribeAthletics.com. She was instrumental in leading the Bobcats to two NCAA tournament berths. 

Gilleland ranked third in school history with 4,702 assists and was the first Bobcats volleyball player to make the All-Northeast Region Team three years in a row. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in sports management, and earned a spot on the nominee list for 2016 NCAA Woman of the Year, according to NCAA.org. She is among 517 nominees for the honor.

When she began the interview process to find a coaching spot, Gilleland said she knew William & Mary would be a place where she could contribute, grow and learn.

"I am thrilled to be adding Abby to the Tribe volleyball family," Tribe head coach Melissa Ferris said in a news release on TribeAthletics.com. "Abby is extremely hard working, knowledgeable and has played the game at a high level. I have no doubt that she will have an immediate impact on the program, and I am looking forward to working with her."

Since starting in June, Gilleland said she has been in the office with the rest of the William & Mary staff  getting ready for the upcoming season. She also was in Orlando, Florida for a week recruiting during the AAU Nationals.

Gilleland said there are many aspects of coaching she enjoys.

“I like watching players try new things even if they fail,” she said. “I like watching players succeed and have an 'ah-ha' moment when something new clicks. I like that this sport allows players to grow and find themselves as leaders.”

William & Mary is coming off a 10-20 record in 2015, which included a 4-12 mark in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Tribe opens the season against Clemson at 6 p.m. Aug. 26 in Clemson, South Carolina.