GUNNISON, Colo.  Director of Athletics Miles Van Hee announced on Friday morning the resignation from the Western Colorado women's volleyball program of head coach Eric Ballelos.

"For the remainder of the season, effective immediately, the responsibilities of leading the program will transfer to now interim head coach Maggie Billingsley," stated Van Hee. "We have great confidence in Maggie to lead the Mountaineer volleyball program and continue to serve as a strong mentor for our student athletes. We acknowledge Eric's contributions and wish him the best in his future."

Ballelos came to Western in April 2022, stepping into his first head coaching role after years as an assistant coach at University of California Riverside and at his alma mater, San Francisco State University.

Billingsley was hired as the assistant coach in July of 2022 after four seasons of coaching at the collegiate level. She previously coached at Holy Names University (Division II), Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU, D-II) and at the College of San Mateo (Junior College).

A standout setter at NDNU from 2014-17, Billingsly was a four-year starter and still holds the program records in assists (2,958) and assists per set (9.57) ranking ninth in the Pacific West Conference history books in both categories. She also ranks second at NDNU in career services aces with 99, which is 13th most in PacWest history.

Van Hee will initiate a national search for Western's next head volleyball coach.