Coker Men's Volleyball Lands Two More

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College head volleyball coach Todd Caughlin announced today that Christopher Gbelay and Chris Thomas have agreed to play for the Cobras.

Gbelay, a 6-foot-3-inch middle and outside hitter, is transferring to Coker from Graceland University. He is the second to transfer from Graceland, joining fellow signee Ricardo Ferrer.

Gbelay is originally from Las Vegas, Nev., where he was a three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball and football at Las Vegas High School. In volleyball, he was a member of a state championship team and was second team all-conference twice.

"Chris brings quality experience in the middle position to Coker," said Caughlin. "He has natural leadership skills and a desire to succeed, and I believe he will be a great asset to our program."

Christopher Gbelay is the son of Jennifer Dimmick.

Thomas, a 6-foot-4-inch middle and right side player, comes to Coker from Westside High School in Houston, Texas. Due to his high school not carrying volleyball, his experience was limited to club play. Thomas was a member of the Houston Volleyball Association and Spike Sport in boys' volleyball. He led the HVA in blocks and served as a captain for Spike Sport.

"Chris is very athletic, has the ability to play multiple positions and plays well above the net," Caughlin said. "He has a tremendous amount of upside, so once he is exposed to a higher level of play on a daily basis it's going to be exciting to watch."

Chris Thomas is the son of Michael and Marilyn Thomas.

For more information, contact Chris Dougherty, manager of athletics media relations, at 843-383-8018 or cdougherty@coker.edu.

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Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.