LIVINGSTON, Ala. -- Amanda Heaton, who served as a graduate assistant coach in 2006, was promoted to assistant coach on the University of West Alabama volleyball staff, replacing Jason Reed, who took a similar position at Michigan State University.

"There was no question in my mind that Amanda was the natural choice as our next assistant coach," Tigers head coach Ron Arenz said. "With her experience in the GSC as a player and as our graduate assistant coach, she provides the continuity that is vital in building a championship program."

In 2005, Heaton set a single-season school record for kills with .562, shattering the record by more than a 100. She also earned Second-Team All-Gulf South Conference honors for the second straight year. During the 2004 season, Heaton led all players with 465 kills, while hitting .186 for the season.

Prior to coming to West Alabama, Heaton, a native of Portland, Ore., played at Western Oregon University. She is the daughter of Barry and Barb Heaton.