Cook Accepts New Head Coaching Position

Columbia, Mo. – (William Woods Release) Assistant Volleyball Coach Kandace Cook has been named the new Head Coach at William Woods University, with her start date to be January 2, 2023. 

“Kandace has been a big part of our program for the last three years and we will miss her.” stated Head Coach Allison Jones-Olson. “I am excited for what she will do as a head coach and that she will remain in the American Midwest Conference. We wish her the best and congratulations to her for starting this new journey.”

Cook has been at Columbia College for three years, helping the program to a 75-27 overall record. Further, Cook was recognized as the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Assistant Coach of the Year in 2021 and then again in 2022. 

In the 2022 season, the Columbia College volleyball team reached the quarterfinal round of the NAIA National Championships, their highest finish since their runner-up appearance in 2018. The (16) Cougars secured wins over (12) Missouri Baptist and (9) Viterbo, securing the top spot in Pool G at the NAIA Championships. Columbia produced a perfect 10-0 record in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play, winning their 22nd AMC Regular Season title in program history. The Cougars finished the season with an overall record of 29-11, with a 10-7 record against ranked or receiving votes teams.

Cook graduated from Stephens College where she played for two years while earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Health Sciences.