A&M-Commerce Volleyball Coach Resigns

Texas A&M University-Commerce athletic director Carlton Cooper announced today that he has accepted the resignation of head volleyball coach Mark Pryor.

“We are thankful for Mark and his contributions to our volleyball program. Mark has always put forth an extraordinary effort and attitude to improve our program. He has raised its awareness to both local clubs and high schools that will benefit for us many years,” said Cooper.

Pryor, who has guided the A&M-Commerce volleyball program for the last two seasons, led the Lions to back-to-back berths in the Lone Star Conference Tournament.

 “I know that Texas A&M University-Commerce Volleyball is in a great position now, and I am confident that a new coach will be in place soon and will continue the program's growth and goal of being a nationally-recognized program,” said Pryor.

This past fall, he led A&M-Commerce to a .727 winning percentage for its best effort since a .857 (30-5) effort in 1987 when A&M-Commerce posted a 30-5 mark en route to an LSC Championship. The Lions posted 25 victories for the most since 1987 and the fifth highest total in school history and the fourth-place regular season finish is the highest since 2004 when the conference was split into two divisions. The work earned Pryor recognition as the Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year. A factor in his success was Lauren Flynn, who became the progam’s first-ever first team All-American. She also became the first NCAA Division II statistical champion with 6.21 digs per set in 2009.

In his first year, he led the Lions to their first LSC Tournament berth and first winning record in six years. Three players earned second team all-conference recognition and four were named to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll for their performance in the classroom.

“I am so unbelievably proud of every player that has been a part of this program for the past two seasons.  Whether it was a senior who had minimal time my first season all the way down to the recent signees that believed enough in me and in this program to make our university the choice for their continued academic and athletic career,” said Pryor.

Pryor will be leaving A&M-Commerce to become the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at his alma mater – Baylor University. The Baylor volleyball program finished the 2009 season ranked #20 in the AVCA final poll.

“The reason that I was given this opportunity to work at my alma mater is because of them. It is because of our student athletes, because of their character, and their talent. I want to personally thank our University President, Dr. Dan Jones, Athletic Director Carlton Coooper, and Senior Woman's Administrator Judy Sackfield for the opportunity to lead this program.  It has been a great experience to be a part of the university and Commerce community,” said Pryor.