Cook's start date is January 2.

 

"I'm very excited to be taking on this journey at William Woods and beginning the next chapter in my career with this team and program," stated Cook. "There is a great culture within the WWU coaching and support staff that makes you feel right at home. I am beyond thankful for the overall support of athletics by students, faculty, and staff. I see a bright future full of growth not just within the volleyball program but all the WWU programs, and I cannot wait to be a part of it!

 

"I have big goals for the upcoming season here at Woods and cannot wait to build this program from what it currently is as the William Woods volleyball program to what it will be in the very near future! GO Owls!"

 

Cook comes to William Woods with more than six years of assistant coaching experience in the NAIA level and eight years of head coaching experience outside of the collegiate level. 

 

"We are pleased to welcome Kandace to our athletic department and University," stated Gastineau. "She brings local recruiting and coaching experience and a knowledge of AMC volleyball. We look forward to watching our volleyball program grow under her leadership."

 

Most recently, Cook served as the assistant coach for Columbia College for three seasons. She helped lead the program to a 75-27 overall record, and she was tabbed the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Assistant Coach of the Year for two straight years (2021, 2022). In the 2022 season, she helped the Cougars to a 10-0 conference mark. They fell in the quarterfinal round of the NAIA National Championship to University of Jamestown, the eventual 2022 National Champion.

 

Prior to joining the CC staff, Cook served as the assistant coach for Stephens College for two seasons (2018, 2019). 

 

Outside of the collegiate coaching game, she is also the Beach Volleyball Club Director and Coach for the Alpha Omega Beach Volleyball Academy in Columbia, the Head Volleyball Coach for Calvary Lutheran High School in Jefferson City, a Head Club Volleyball Coach for the 417 Columbia Juniors in Columbia and a Volleyball Scout/Recruiter for the National Scouting Report. 

 

Cook is a graduate from Stephens College. She played two years of NAIA volleyball for the Stars while earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in health sciences.