Feb. 14, 2012

by Koby Padgett
Assistant Media Relations Director

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Julie Darty, a former standout at Mercer and assistant coach at Villanova, has accepted the open assistant coaching spot at South Carolina, Gamecock head volleyball coach Scott Swanson announced today.

Darty spent the past two seasons with the Wildcats, helping them to consecutive top-four finishes in the 15-team BIG EAST. Primarily working with Villanova’s outside hitters, Darty helped Morgan Petkovich to a spot on the All-BIG EAST second team in 2011. Darty also was partly responsible for recruiting and the Villanova Volleyball Camp.

“Julie was highly recommended to us by her former head coach and other well respected coaches in the Southeast,” said Swanson. “Her energy and work ethic will help elevate our level of recruiting and level of play in the gym. Julie is highly organized and understands the game very well. We are very lucky to have her join our staff.”

Prior to her stint at the Philadelphia school, Darty got her start as an assistant coach at Lake Mary (Fla.) High School. She also helped with the Orlando Volleyball Academy, working with the 14 Asics and 16 Molten squads.

A standout at Mercer University, Darty earned Atlantic Sun All-Freshman honors and holds the Bears’ career record in kills per set, leading the team all four years in that category. Darty earned Atlantic Sun Player of the Week accolades on Sept. 11, 2006. A four-year member of Mercer’s SAAC, she also earned a spot on the A-Sun Academic Honor Roll. She graduated in 2008 with her degree in communications.