CHARLESTON, S.C.- Amir Khaledi, who took over The Citadel volleyball program in late November, has announced that Amanda Newell will be promoted to top assistant coach.

Since joining the Bulldog staff, Newell's primary responsibilities have been on-court coaching, developing setters as well as video exchange and distribution. Her work with the setters has resulted in the third most assists (3,524) over a three-year period in program history. In 2009, The Citadel setters managed 1,233 assists and placed second on the school list of all-time best single-season performances.

Prior to joining the staff in 2008, Newell spent two years as the head junior varsity coach at Northwood Academy in North Charleston, S.C., where she also served as assistant coach for the varsity team. Both years, she led her junior varsity team to a second place finish in the conference.

On the club volleyball circuit, Newell currently coaches the Charleston Junior Volleyball Club 14 National Team. Last year she served as head coach of the Charleston Junior Club team, comprised of 15-year-olds. Her team finished in Gold in two tournaments, including the Southern Classic. Prior to that, she coached with Coastal Club Volleyball in Charleston.

Her familiarity with Southern Conference Volleyball stems from her playing days at Wofford College. During her four-year playing career with the Terriers, primarily as the setter, she earned a current ranking of sixth on the school's all-time assists list. Newell also spent time as a defensive specialist and right side hitter, during her career, leading the team in digs in 1997. Academically she gained recognition as part of the Southern Conference Honor Roll (1998-99).

The Citadel opens its spring season on Feb. 27 when it plays at the College of Charleston Spring Tournament. The tournament will feature The Citadel, Charleston Southern and the host Cougars. For more information on Bulldog Volleyball, visit the official website of The Citadel Athletics at www.CitadelSports.com.