Lincoln Memorial University Head Women's Volleyball and Beach Coach Alison Williams announced the hiring of Lucy Pennington-Russell as an assistant coach for both the indoor and beach volleyball programs on Monday, July 12, 2021. A former graduate assistant at South Atlantic Conference rival Carson-Newman, Pennington-Russell arrived in Harrogate after serving the Eagles in a variety of capacities.
During her two years with Carson-Newman, Pennington-Russell served as both director of volleyball operations and interim head beach volleyball coach. Her duties included operating DataVolley, providing strategic analysis, scouting, and developing match plans. She also assisted with film study and fundamental breakdowns.
Over two seasons, Pennington-Russell helped Carson-Newman compile a 35-12 record indoors, including an NCAA Division II Southeast Region title and national quarterfinal appearance during the 2019 season. She also compiled a 6-1 record during her stint as the interim head beach coach.
Pennington-Russell has also served as a volunteer assistant for Club Unite Volleyball in Jefferson City, Tennessee, for two years. Prior to her time at Carson-Newman, she served as a veterinary technician at the District Vet Hospital in Washington, D.C. and as a kennel technician in Orlando, Florida.
As an undergraduate, she served as a cadet in the ROTC and worked as a camera director/operator for the Eagle Sports Network. Her leadership earned her the title of ROTC Squad Leader and she received a battalion leadership award in 2016.
Pennington-Russell graduated from Carson-Newman with a Bachelor of Arts in communications in 2017 and added a master's degree in education with an emphasis in coaching in 2021.
