Savannah Terry ’21 Tabbed as Next Women’s Volleyball Head Coach

ELMIRA, N.Y. – Elmira College Director of Athletics Rhonda Faunce has announced the hiring of Savannah Terry ’21 as head women’s volleyball coach this afternoon. Terry becomes the 6^th head coach in the program’s 48-year history after taking over for Interim Head Coach Ryan McDonough ’19, who will be coaching full-time with the men’s program.

“I would first like to thank Ryan for acting as our head coach this past season,” said Faunce. “It allowed us a smoother transition to a permanent situation. That being said, I am thrilled to have Savannah come “home” to be our next Head Women’s Volleyball coach. The fact that I have worked with and coached her, gives me great confidence she is the right person to take over for the job.”

 

Terry returns to Elmira after a two-year stint at Division-III Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts which she began following her graduation from Elmira College. During her time with the Pioneers, Terry was part of a staff that was able to guide its team to a 42-22 record (.656%) from 2021-22.

 

“I am extremely fortunate that I get to return to a program that had such an impact on my life”, said Terry. “I am excited that I can finally give back to the athletes what I received from the great coaches who ran the program during my time at Elmira. I would like to thank Rhonda (Faunce) for believing in me and allowing me to take over a program that I know is very important to her.”

 

In her first competition season under head coach Greg Walker, Terry was a crucial part of one of the country’s best season turnarounds. The 2021 season for Smith was its most successful season since 2013, as the Pioneers went on to post a 21-11 record, and a NEWMAC Tournament appearance. One of the keys to the team’s resurgence was an outstanding recruiting class that included 12 first-year athletes. 

 

“When you combine her love of EC with the great experience she has received at Smith the last couple of years, I think her strengths will be recruiting and bringing in well-qualified student-athletes right away to get us back on track”, said Faunce. “Savannah in general is a great addition to our staff and I am excited to have her around again. She brings great energy and a witty intelligence that will keep her players and our staff on their toes.”

 

While at Smith, the Pioneers finished…