Rafalowski Earns Head Coaching Position

May 28, 2009

JEFFERSON CITY - Julia Rafalowski, former assistant volleyball coach at Carson-Newman, has been named the new head coach at Sullivan East High School.

"I had a great experience at Carson-Newman," Rafalowski said. "I learned a great deal from coach (Shannon) Mincey and the rest of the coaching staff."

"I am forever grateful to coach Mincey for the opportunity she gave me at Carson-Newman. (It) is a special place and I'm very thankful to have been a part of (that)."

Rafalowski has served as an assistant under Mincey for the past two seasons.

The Lady Eagles were 24-15 last season, and earned a No. 2 seed in the Southeast Regional of the NCAA Division II Tournament, the highest seeding in school history.

"Julia's Christian leadership will be missed here at Carson Newman," said Mincey. "She has played and worked in many different capacities and is certainty ready to lead a program. Her players will be able to look to her for encouragement, advice and she will be a great mentor to them. The Carson-Newman players and I will miss Julia and we wish her the best."

Rafalowski attended Sullivan South High School, one of East's rival schools, and was a part of two Lady Rebel teams that advanced to the state tournament. She went on to play at King College, and the Lady Tornados won four straight AAC titles and made an appearance in the NAIA National Tournament her senior year.