Jan. 17, 2006
Normal, Ill. -
Jenny Fuente, a part of Redbird volleyball for eight years as a player and coach, has been promoted to associate head coach by Illinois State Head Volleyball Coach Sharon Dingman. Beginning her fourth season on Dingman's staff, Fuente has been part of 148 wins as a player and coach with the Illinois State volleyball program.
Dingman appreciates Fuente's long-term dedication to Redbird volleyball.
"Jenny has spent about one-third of her life as part of Redbird volleyball," said Dingman. "An important part of building and maintaining a program is consistency and Jenny provides that. Success is dependent upon competency, hard work and a passion to excel. Jenny has demonstrated those elements since the day she hung up her uniform and grabbed a clipboard."
In addition to excelling in a myriad of administrative roles, Fuente's work coaching the Redbird middle blockers has been responsible for continuing a tradition of excellence at Illinois State. ISU middles have earned all-Missouri Valley Conference honors 13 times in the past 12 years including second-team members Kari Staehlin and Emily Kabbes in 2005.
Fuente's own playing skill contributed to that tradition.
Then known as Jenny Kabbes, the 1998 graduate of Bloomington Central Catholic High School was the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year in 1998. A First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection in the 1999 season, she underwent two major shoulder surgeries and missed the 2000 season, but staged a courageous comeback to earn all-conference honors again in 2001 and 2002.
Fuente.ranks No. 2 on Illinois State's career block assist list, No. 5 in career hitting percentage and No. 11 in career kills. She is No. 8 in career block assists in Missouri Valley Conference history. She respects Dingman and enjoys working with her.
"Sharon is a genuine person who puts the student-athletes first and truly cares about them as students, as athletes and as people," said Fuente. "She sets a high standard for herself and those around her."
Fuente believes Illinois State's strong tradition of success in volleyball will continue.
"Our players and staff have a passion for Redbird volleyball and appreciate the support of the university, the fans and the community," said Fuente. "On the court, we have so much athletic talent in our program and such great talent coming in, the future looks very good."
Fuente and Illinois State football offensive coordinator Justin Fuente were married in 2005.
Among Fuente's duties is organizing the annual Redbird Volleyball Banquet, coming up Jan. 29 at Redbird Arena. Tickets are $25 each and reservations can be made by calling the Redbird Volleyball Office at (309) 438-2567.
