COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo - The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is proud to announce Chrissy Elder as the new head coach of the UCCS volleyball team. She spent the last four seasons as the Head Assistant Coach at the University of Central Missouri.

"I am excited for this opportunity," Elder said. "UCCS has a great staff, and I am excited about working with my new team."

Elder joined the Jennies' staff in 2007 and was promoted to Head Assistant Coach in 2009. During her four seasons as the head assistant coach, Central Missouri compiled a 122-22 record and advanced to the national semifinals in 2010 and the national quarterfinals in 2011.

Prior to joining the staff at Central Missouri, Elder was the interim head coach for the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She joined the Kangaroo staff as a graduate assistant coach in 2005.

Elder finished her collegiate playing career at Pittsburg State University, where she also doubled as a student assistant coach for the Gorillas in her senior season. She was an All-American and All-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association setter and helped Pittsburg State advance to the national tournament. Elder also spent three seasons at the University of Missouri.

In 2005, Elder earned her bachelor's degree in recreation and fitness management from Pittsburg State, and in 2008, she went on to earn her master's degree from UMKC. She also coached the Star Aquilla teams for three seasons for the OZ Volleyball Club in Overland Park, Kan.

Feb. 1 will mark a new beginning for both Elder and the UCCS volleyball team, as she officially joins the Mountain Lion staff. Last season, the Mountain Lions advanced to the RMAC tournament and posted a 10-match winning streak during the year. UCCS went 10-4 at home to tie for the most home victories in program history.