MARSHALL, Texas – Keely Peterson announced her resignation as the East Texas Baptist University Head Volleyball coach on Tuesday, as she and her husband, Torry, also an ETBU employee, plan to move to Houston to take job outside of college athletics.  Peterson has guided the Tiger Volleyball program the last three seasons and led the team on a volleyball mission trip this past March to Serbia, as a part of the Tiger Athletic Mission Experience.

"I cannot thank Coach Peterson enough for her hard work, dedication, and commitment to the program for the last three years as head coach of ETBU Tiger Volleyball.  Although we are going to miss Keely and her leadership within the program, we are excited for her and her family in this new endeavor," ETBU Vice President for Athletics and Director of Athletics Ryan Erwin said. 

In three years, Peterson won 39 matches, while making the American Southwest Conference Tournament each year. She had her best ASC Tournament finish in 2016, winning three games and finishing in third place. The 2017 season brought an upset win over #13 Texas Dallas in Ornelas Gym, for her first win against a ranked opponent. This past season, ETBU finished second in the ASC East with a 7-7 record and won 14 matches which was the most in her three-year tenure.

"Through a lot of prayer and thought together, my husband and I have decided to follow a new path the Lord has provided for our family. I am so thankful for the experiences and opportunities given to me while at East Texas Baptist University. Being an alumna, this program and university will always have a special place in my heart. I wish the program continued success and I am so thankful for the support given to us in this new season of life God has laid out for our family," Peterson said.

Six players were named ASC East Players of the Week in her time at ETBU, with three winning the award in 2017. There were 24 student-athletes that were given Academic All-ASC status and 20 ASC awards from All-ASC to East Division Honorable Mention in her tenure.

The University will conduct a national search to be the next head coach of ETBU Tiger Volleyball.