Emiley Madison Named Interim Volleyball Coach

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Stillman College announced a mid-season coaching transition for its women’s volleyball program on Friday. Joel Penfield, who has been coaching both softball and volleyball, has resigned his post as volleyball head coach to devote his sole attention to the softball program. He will be succeeded by Emiley Madison, who has been serving as a volunteer assistant. 

“I’d like to thank Coach Penfield for his dedication in getting our volleyball program reinstated at Stillman College. He has put in countless hours managing both programs. He has asked to step aside to focus on softball, and our administration supports that decision for the betterment of both programs,” Athletic Director Terrance Whittle said. “We are pleased to promote Coach Madison on an interim basis, and are thankful she is willing to come in and help rebuild Stillman College volleyball.”

Madison has served as a volunteer assistant for Stillman through its first eight matches. A resident of Coker and former student-athlete at Northside High School, Madison has helped with club ball in the area throughout the last decade. 

“I am very excited for this opportunity at Stillman. I look forward to working with these talented ladies and helping build a program that young girls are interested in coming to Stillman to participate in,” Madison said. 

Penfield put together an 18-player roster and 20-match schedule in a short period of time since taking over the program in May. Stillman has shown steady improvements in its first eight matches.

“I’d like to thank AD Whittle and the Stillman administration for trusting me to take over the program this year, and supporting this decision to step aside,” Penfield said. “For the betterment of my health and both programs, I thought it was best to step aside now and let Coach Emiley take over. I will continue to support Stillman College Volleyball as the season progresses.”

With 11 regular season matches remaining, Stillman (0-8, 0-7 SSAC) will host William Carey University and Loyola University this weekend on Friday, Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 1 at 1 p.m.