---Michaele Blackburn talks volleyball during a summer camp in Regents Hall. Blackburn, who finished her career as Ohio University’s all-time leader in digs, is joining NKU as an assistant coach.

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - As her career statistics at Ohio University indicate, Michaele Blackburn knows a thing or two about playing defense and winning volleyball matches.

Looking for proof? Consider Blackburn’s 2,091 career digs as the Bobcats’ libero the past four years. The 5-foot-6 defensive stalwart finished as Ohio’s all-time leader in that category, and she ended her career among the top 25 all-time in NCAA history.

As far as winning goes, Blackburn helped Ohio compile a 118-16 record during her four years. Included in that record is a 63-1 mark in the Mid-American Conference and four consecutive league championships.

In other words, Blackburn really digs playing defense and winning.

As she begins her first season as an assistant coach at Northern Kentucky University, Blackburn is looking forward to working under Norse head coach Carlos Chia. The Ursuline Academy graduate played club ball for Chia’s Cincinnati Bullets team several years ago, and she is familiar with the NKU system.

“It’s good to be reuniting with Carlos, only this time as his assistant,” Blackburn said. “He is a great coach, NKU has a strong tradition and I am looking forward to working for him.”

Blackburn earned a spot on the MAC All-Freshman Team in 2003 after collecting 468 digs. As a junior, she set an Ohio single-season record by posting 612 digs as the Bobcats advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. In the Sweet 16 match against Arizona, Blackburn finished with 21 digs.

A year ago, Blackburn recorded a team-leading 540 digs and played a major role in Ohio’s 28-5 finish.
“Michaele was a great defensive player in college, and I think she will bring a great deal to our program as an assistant coach,” Chia said. “She really knows the game, and she expects to win after being so successful at Ohio the past years.”

Blackburn, who was an All-American club player in 2002 while leading the Cincinnati Bullets to the AAU national championship, graduated from Ohio last spring with a biological sciences degree in pre-dentistry. As a prep standout, she led Ursuline to the 2002 state title in Ohio.

“I believe Michaele is a great addition to our program. I am really pleased to have her as my assistant, and I think our team will really enjoy learning from her,” Chia said.

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