ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University head volleyball coach Gene Krieger has announced the addition of former Coastal Carolina standout Erika Lightsey to the volleyball coaching staff.

"I am extremely excited to be a part of the Anderson University community," said Lightsey. "I was warmly welcomed immediately upon my arrival on campus. I look forward to working with Coach Krieger and the team to continue building and strengthening the program."

Lightsey, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., was a four-year letterwinner and team captain with the Chanticleers (2009-12), where the outside hitter was second on the squad with 267 kills during her junior season and led the Chants with 315 kills during her senior campaign and averaged 2.94 points per set. She finished her career with nearly 700 kills.

Off the court, Lightsey was a four-time member of the Coastal Carolina Dean's List and was named to the CCU President's List in Dec., 2012, and was also a member of both the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society and the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society.

Following her collegiate playing days, Lightsey worked with the Grand Strand Juniors Volleyball Club in Myrtle Beach, S.C., as a coach and mentor and went on to compete professionally with the Union Sportive De Villejuif in Villejuif, France, as an outside hitter and served as a coach for youth teams in the region.

A certified nurse's aide, Lightsey also served as an English language tutor with the Institut Polytechnique des Sciences Avancées.

"We are very excited to have Erika join our staff," said Krieger. "Having played at Coastal Carolina, she is familiar with the state of South Carolina and also has international playing experience. She will be able to lend us her valuable skills, while earning her master's degree at the same time."

The Trojans are slated to open their season on Friday, Sept. 2, against Clark Atlanta in Columbus, Ga.