Mangum returns to coach at alma mater

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on April 25, 2014 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

MOUNT OLIVE -- Colby Mangum called it an "incredible opportunity" that many former college athletes don't get to experience.

She will.

Mangum has been hired to succeed Sarah Lusk as head women's volleyball coach at the University of Mount Olive. An Army veteran who completed two tours in Iraq, Lusk left the program nearly three weeks ago to become the assistant women's volleyball coach at West Point.

"It doesn't get much better than this and I'm really looking forward to it," said Mangum, who has directed the volleyball program at Louisburg College the past two seasons.

Mangum becomes the eighth head coach in UMO history at least since 1994, and seventh during the program's Division II era. The Wilmington native will serve as the assistant coach for the men's program, which advanced to the Conference Carolinas tournament championship more than a week ago.

"We are very excited having Colby join our staff," UMO athletics director Jeff Eisen said. "She had a successful playing career here, and we are looking forward to her having a successful coaching career, also."

The Trojan women logged a 14-16 worksheet this past fall. The wins and losses don't concern Mangum, who was more impressed with Lusk's ability to instill integrity into the players and teach them how to hold themselves accountable on and off the court.

UMO posted a grade-point average (GPA) higher than 3.25 in the classroom and spent numerous hours working within the community. Four Trojans earned all-Conference Carolinas academic accolades and Lusk's squad received the Conference Carolinas Team Sportsmanship Award.

Mangum officially signed her contract Wednesday and met with the players expected to return next fall. She'll also welcome 11 freshmen into the program in August.

"I think the world of Sarah," Mangum said. "She was such a hard worker and continued doing everything she could to try to get the program back to a level everyone wants it to be. She's left it in good shape and worked hard on the recruiting trail.

"I'm so grateful for her for that because you can see the amount of work she's put in there. She's set it up that the next person has the opportunity be successful."

Mangum enjoyed tremendous success during her four-year career at then-Mount Olive College. She ranked nationally among the top 10 in blocks during her last three seasons, and continues to hold three school records -- single-season hitting percentage (.408), single-season blocks (207) and career blocks (744).

The Trojans won the 2005 Carolinas-Virginia Athletics Conference regular-season championship, and advanced to the NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional in 2004 and 2005. Mangum was part of the "Fab Four" that included three-time All-American Heidi Busch, all-time career assists leader Sara Christie and Kristie Koomler.

That quartet set the single-season school record for victories (30) in 2002, but was snubbed by the NCAA tournament selection committee.

Mangum hasn't compiled any quantifiable goals for a program that's experienced just three winning seasons since 2005. Mixing 11 freshmen with a strong core of returning players could prove to be her biggest challenge during her initial season on the bench.

A strong team culture is important. But Mangum also wants to cultivate the model developed by Lusk that the players are students first, athletes second, and each has to understand their specific role that will help set the standard for future teams.

Mangum is confident that UMO can compete at the level she experienced during her playing days.

"It takes the right mix of players, not only talent-wise, but you have to find the right personalities and players who have a great work ethic," Mangum said. "The pieces Sarah has left behind, I am really excited to see how this team interacts with each other."