CSU Volleyball Honors All-Time Kills and Service Aces Leader in Special Ceremony

Stacey Cole-Abney (middle) poses with Chris Zorich and CSU Volleyball today

CHICAGO – In a two-year stint at Chicago State from 2003-05, Stacey Cole-Abney was one of the top players in the old Mid-Continent Conference while helping the Cougars serve as contenders in the league and set new school records in building the program under former head coach Heidi Cartisser.

The Green and White honored Cole-Abney today for her contributions to the program in a special ceremony by retiring her No. 5 jersey at the Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center before today's match against New Mexico State.

"It's an honor for us to bringing back a great alum in Stacey after her outstanding collegiate career here at Chicago State," CSU Athletic Director Chris Zorich said. "Retiring her No. 5 jersey in her return to campus is a wonderful way to honor past student-athletes for their awesome accomplishments on the court and in the classroom."

Cole-Abney is the first Chicago State female student-athlete to have a number retired as she currently holds Division I school records in kills (926), kills per set (4.63) and service aces (108) while ranking fifth in hitting percentage and eighth in digs. She also holds school single-season records in kills (524), kills per set (4.85), total attacks (1,444) and service aces (57).

A six-time Mid-Con Offensive Player of the Week in her CSU career, Cole-Abney is the only Cougar to earn first team all-conference honors as she was recognized by the Mid-Con in her two years with the Green and White.

"We wanted this ceremony as something for our kids to look up to, something to aim for and something to surpass. It's always a pleasure to honor the greats that came before you," said CSU head coach Brandon Reeves.

After graduating from CSU in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in criminology, Cole-Abney now serves as the Athletic Director of San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, Calif., where five programs would capture five Valley Championships during the 2017-18 school year (football, boys' basketball, girls' basketball, girls' golf and baseball).

"I just wanted to thank Chicago State and Coach Reeves for bringing me back to campus and it's definitely humbling that my jersey will be hanging up in the rafters," stated Cole-Abney. "I appreciate coming back to CSU and I see the turnaround of the volleyball program with the increased level of commitment of the young ladies on the floor. I'm so blessed to be here at CSU and appreciate everything from the University."

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