OMAHA, Neb. -- Former University of Nebraska middle blocker Amanda Gates has been named volunteer assistant coach with the Creighton University Volleyball program, head coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth announced today.

Gates’ primary responsibilities will be helping with practices -- specifically training middle blockers -- as well as some administrative tasks. She fills the role held by Mike Weber last season and joins Angie Oxley Behrens, Tom Mendoza and Booth on the Bluejay staff.

“We’re thrilled to have Amanda joining our staff,” said Booth. “Not only was she a great player, but she’s an outstanding person and role model for our players. With her extensive playing background and championship experience, she’ll be a great addition to our program.”

A native of Columbus, Neb., Gates competed at Nebraska from 2005-08. She participated in 82 matches, accumulating 307 kills, 216 blocks, 84 digs and 16 aces while hitting .296. The Cornhuskers won the national title in 2006, were NCAA runner-up in 2005, reached the NCAA Tournament semifinals in 2008 and the NCAA quarterfinals in 2007.

Gates enjoyed a decorated career with the Huskers as part of a senior class that went 127-8 over four years. In 2008 she was named a CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine First Team Academic All-American in addition to honorable-mention All-Big 12 accolades while serving as a Husker tri-captain. She was a recipient of Postgraduate Scholarships from both the NCAA and Big 12 Conference, a two-time first-team Academic All-Big 12 pick and was a nine-time selection to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Besides her academic honors Gates was named to the 2007 Big 12 Fall Good Works Team, was a member of the Four-Year Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, was honored as 2007 Husker Volleyball Lifter of the Year, and was the 2008 Big 12 Community of Champions Award.

Creighton returns 11 letterwinners and four of six starters from last season’s team that finished 14-17. Top returnees include seniors Nayka Benitez, Lauren Bloemke and Allie Oelke.

The Bluejays will report to campus on August 8th and open the regular-season on Aug. 27 at home against San Francisco.