Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Orner promoted to Associate Head Volleyball Coach
6/22/2023 4:30:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee head volleyball coach Chuck Crawford has announced the promotion of Jenna Orner to Associate Head Volleyball Coach.
"Jenna has been with me since the first day here at MTSU," said Crawford. "She has a great deal of wisdom both on and off the court. Jenna is a loyal friend, trusted co-worker, and dedicated mentor to our young ladies. The title of associate head coach has been earned by Jenna's countless self-sacrifices and tireless work ethic. She is among the finest young coaches in the nation."
Orner, a native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, enters her seventh season as a member of the Middle Tennessee volleyball staff. She has spent the last six seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Orner will continue her role as recruiting coordinator.
"I want to thank Chuck Crawford for the trust he has shown in me throughout the past six years, both on and off the court, as well as SWA Diane Turnham, Director of Athletics Chris Massaro, and President (Sidney) McPhee for the opportunity to be named associate head coach," said Orner. "I am grateful for the relationships and experiences I have gained during my time here, and I am excited to see the continued growth and success of this special program. The future is bright for Middle Tennessee volleyball."
During her first season as an assistant coach, Orner aided the team in achieving the best service ace performance in school history in the 25-point era.
In 2018, Orner assisted the team's back row in recording the most digs (1,359) in the program's past four seasons. With Orner's guidance in 2019, the MTSU defense held opponents to an 11.12 assist average, ranking fifth in C-USA.
In the 2020-21 season, under the guidance of Orner, the Blue Raiders clinched a berth in the C-USA Tournament for the second straight season. It is the first time since 2013 that the Blue Raiders have secured a spot in a conference tournament in consecutive seasons.
During a year that was riddled with Covid-19 and injuries, Orner helped send the Blue Raiders to the National Invitational Volleyball Championship tournament for the first time in program history during the 2021 season.
In the 2022 campaign, Coach Orner assisted the Blue Raiders in achieving their first winning season since 2013 and their fourth consecutive appearance in the Conference USA Tournament.
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