GRAND FORKS, N.D. - University of North Dakota athletics director Brian Faison announced the extension of head volleyball coach Ashley Hardee's contract. Hardee had one year added to his current deal that will keep the reigning two-time Great West Conference Coach of the Year at the helm of the Fighting Sioux volleyball program through the 2013 season.

In his two seasons at UND, Hardee has guided the Fighting Sioux to back-to-back Great West regular season and tournament titles, while posting a 47-11 record overall and a 21-1 mark in league play. UND fans have also come out in record numbers to watch the Sioux post a 15-1 record at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center during his tenure.

"From back-to-back conference titles to exceptional performance in the classroom by the student-athletes, coach Hardee has done an outstanding job for the Fighting Sioux volleyball program," Faison said. "We want him at the University of North Dakota and he wants to be here. This extension will take him through the 2013 season."

Under Hardee's watch, UND players have garnered seven first team All-Great West honors, a second team honor, two all-newcomer team honors, back-to-back Setter of the Year accolades, along with the 2010 Great West Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards.

"I am very pleased with the investment from the University of North Dakota," Hardee said. "Brian Faison has been the major force behind the new commitment to our volleyball program and for that, I am very grateful. For me, it's always about the ability to win championships. From operations, to recruiting and facilities, we have what is necessary to be a player on the national scene. Most importantly, we are a part of a great community and get to play in front of a growing fan base.

"This certainly isn't a one-man show. You have to have a great staff and we have that here. Brian's commitment to volleyball ensures that we will continue to attract quality people. Now, at UND, our sights are set on another Great West championship."

- Go Sioux -