Nov. 22, 2004

ARLINGTON, Texas - The University of Texas at Arlington Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Pete Carlon has announced that interim head volleyball coach Diane Seymour has officially been named the head coach of the Mavericks. Seymour took over interim duties in late July when long time coach Janine Smith resigned to pursue other opportunities.

Seymour, a former UTA student-athlete and assistant coach, led the Mavericks to a 24-7 overall mark this season and a third place finish in the Southland Conference with a 15-5 clip.

"I've been a part of this university for many years - as a student, an athlete and a coach. I am honored and excited to receive this opportunity and fully intend to represent our program and community well," said Seymour.

If there is one link between UTA's historic past (the winningest team in Southland Conference history, six consecutive SLC titles, eight championships in 11 years, six consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament and a spectacular berth in the NCAA Final Four in 1989) and the recent SLC championship teams, it's Diane Seymour.

Closing out her ninth season on the sidelines, Seymour, a member of four consecutive Southland Conference championship teams as a Maverick between 1985 and 1988, was a part of a team that posted an amazing 119-25 record and participated in four NCAA Tournaments.

Seymour ended her UTA career with 48 kills, 95 service aces and 433 digs in 119 matches and 313 games. She also led UTA to records of 28-4, 29-10, 32-7 and 30-4.

As a senior and team captain, Seymour played a key role in UTA's climb to fifth in the national polls. The 1988 Mavericks dropped their final match of the season (one step away from the Final Four) to the Texas Longhorns in five games.

Since ending her playing career, Seymour has worked closely with several of the best club teams in Texas and is currently the director of the North Dallas Junior Volleyball Association.

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