ROCHESTER, Mich. – Abby Kanakry, a two-time First Team All-Horizon League player and 2023 finalist for the Horizon League Sportsmanship award at Northern Kentucky, has been named assistant coach of the Golden Grizzlies' volleyball team, the university and head coach Krista Rice announced today.

Kanakry, who played five years for the Norse (2018-23), comes to Rochester as an assistant after working in the private sector and coaching with SPARC and the Unified Volleyball Club in the metro-Detroit area.

"I am incredibly excited to welcome Abby to our coaching staff!" said Rice. "Since my first conversation with her, I knew she would be a great fit, as her character, values, and work ethic align with our program philosophy and goals. Her experience as a standout collegiate student-athlete, combined with deep understanding of our league will make her a great coach and mentor. She is passionate about player development both on and off the court and we are looking forward to the impact she will have!"

The Grosse Pointe, Mich. native was a standout player for Northern Kentucky before playing professionally overseas for Alianza Lima in Peru in early 2024. As a middle blocker/opposite hitter, Kankary played in 134 matches for NKU, tallying up 1,324 kills, which marks her 13th in program history. She also holds the school record in block assists (345), as she earned 399 kills operating off of a .272 hitting clip during her final season.

She was a four-time Horizon League All-Tournament team member and led the Norse with 10 kills in their most recent NCAA Tournament match in 2019 against Michigan at the Lexington Regional.

"I am very excited to be a part of the Oakland Volleyball program. As a former player in the Horizon League, I have always admired Krista and Kyle and the program they've grown," Kanakry said. "They are fantastic coaches and I'm excited to learn from them in this upcoming season. I am eager to bring my experience as a student-athlete to the team and help in every way possible!"

Prior to Northern Kentucky, Kanakry played varsity volleyball at Grosse Pointe North, amassing a .350 hitting clip throughout her four seasons, while posting a .479 hitting percentage and 302 kills her senior year.

How to Follow Oakland Volleyball: For complete information on Oakland Volleyball, follow the team on X at @OaklandWVB and head coach Krista Rice at @KKg1007. The team is also on Instagram.