Meet Former Lady'Back Michelle Coens

After I finished my senior year in 2003, I went on to graduate with my B.S.E, in May. I decided to stay here in Fayetteville and complete my Masters of Arts in Teaching. I became a graduate assistant for women’s athletics, and started the master’s program the summer of 2003.

By May 2004 I had completed my masters and graduated with a M.A.T. I then made another decision to peruse my teaching career here in Arkansas for a while. I was offered a job at George, Jr. High School in Springdale. I have just completed my first year of teaching, and I am going on my 6th year of living here in Fayetteville. I guess I am not ready to return to Canada just yet!

I continued to practice with the U of A team while completing my masters, but during my first year of teaching it has limited due to my hectic schedule. In the late spring and summer months I have enjoyed playing beach volleyball with the U of A girls.

I have also started coaching volleyball at the Club level and at the high school level. I have coached for Ozark Juniors two years now. I have coached the 14-15’s team, and this year I was fortunate enough to coach the 17 National level team. I also enjoyed coaching George, Jr. High’s team, as well as assistant coaching George, Jr. High’s track team. I have a new respect for coaching to put it mildly!

As for the future, I plan to live in Fayetteville and teach in Springdale fora while. Most of mybest friends live in this area or the surrounding states. I really love it down here and it is an amazing place to live, and a very safe environment to raise a family in. I continue to work out at the Bev Lewis center (U of A women athlete’s workout facility) and scrimmage or play pick up with the current U of A players.