The American Volleyball Coaches Association announced its end of year coaching awards on Wednesday and Salisbury University's Melissa Stansbury was named the Division III National Assistant Coach of the Year.

It marks the first time that a Salisbury assistant coach has earned the honor and brings to a close six years with the Sea Gull program for Stansbury.

This season, Stansbury has helped Salisbury to a historic season, where the Gulls reached a program-best No. 12 national ranking, won a program-record 37 matches and made its deepest run in the NCAA Division III volleyball tournament, advancing to the national quarterfinals.

Stansbury has been lauded by Head Coach Margie Knight for her ability to analyze the Sea Gull players and explain to them in a straight-forward, uncomplicated manner the adjustments they need to make. She understands the way Knight thinks, and is able to give crucial information at key points during matches.

Stansbury has spent the past six years with Knight, playing four seasons as an outside hitter and defensive specialist prior to two years as an assistant coach. As a player, Stansbury played in 148 matches between 2007 and 2010, registering 1,329 digs, 58 blocks and 119 service aces.