Feb. 27, 2002

Santa Barbara, Calif. - Liz Towne-Gilbert, one of the greatest setters in UC Santa Barbara women's volleyball history, has been appointed associate head coach of the Gauchos, Head Coach Kathy Gregory announced Thursday.

"I am very fortunate to have Liz return to Santa Barbara as associate head coach," Gregory said. "She brings valuable experience in recruiting and training of student-athletes. Liz's rapport with players is outstanding, while her work ethic and enthusiasm will help UCSB in its quest to remain one of the nation's top programs."

In her most recent position, Towne-Gilbert served as Club Director of Davis Volleyball in her hometown of Davis, Calif., the past two years. In addition to overseeing the development of eight youth squads at all levels, she coached Davis Volleyball's team of 17 and 18 year-old players which was consistently ranked amongst the nation's top club programs.

Towne-Gilbert is no stranger to collegiate coaching, with seven years of experience at three Division I institutions. In 1998 and 1999 she was an assistant under legendary coach Debby Colberg at Sacramento State, helping the Hornets win the Big Sky Conference title and reach the NCAA Tournament both seasons.

Prior to her stint at Sac State, Towne-Gilbert spent four seasons at Arizona, where the Wildcats transformed from perennial Pac-10 Conference doormats into a national power. When she joined newly-hired Head Coach David Rubio for the 1992 campaign, UA had posted an 0-18 record in conference play the previous season. After just one sub-.500 campaign in Tucson, Towne-Gilbert was part of three NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen teams from 1993 through 1995. In addition, she and Rubio founded the 'Zona Volleyball Club.

Towne-Gilbert began her coaching career at South Florida in 1991 after playing one year of professional volleyball in Europe. She rejoined the competitive circuit following her tenure at Arizona.

A four-year letterwinner at UCSB from 1985-88, Towne-Gilbert is the school's all-time assists leader with 5,542, nearly 400 more then the next closest player. She also ranks fifth in Gaucho history with 1,256 digs. Towne-Gilbert earned All-Region honors as a senior in 1988, and played with the United States Volleyball Association National Team in 1987. Her 103 assists during a Nov. 11, 1986 match against San Diego State remain a school record, while no other Santa Barbara setter has amassed more than 82 helpers in a single contest.

"I am very excited to once again call myself a Gaucho," Towne-Gilbert said. "I look forward to being a part of such a successful program."

She replaces Stephanie Cox-Gandara, who resigned in mid-December following two seasons with the UCSB program. Towne-Gilbert is married to Wayne Gilbert.