Entering her 3rd season, Coach Thurman has led the team from a 2-25 inaugural season to 10-18 in their second season. She was also received the honor of being named the 2016 SWAC Coach of the Year; in addition, the team earned its first SWAC tournament win.
Under Thurman's guidance, sophomore outside hitter Johanna Alvarez-Thompson earned first team all-region honors as well as all-tournament honors. Sophomore Setter Christina Beaver earned SWAC honorable Mention.
In 2015, five players earned NJCAA academic honors: Alex Blockovich earned the Pinnacle award (4.00 GPA); Ariel Blockovich, Tori Stark, Olivia Stet, and Lauren Tegtmeier all earned the Superior Award (3.80-3.99 GPA). The team earned NJCAA 2015-16 Honorable Mention honors with an overall of 3.24 GPA.
Thurman graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a BA Education in 1994 and attained a master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix. While attending St. Bonaventure, Thurman was a four year starter for the volleyball program. She was a 2-time Atlantic 10 all-conference recipient and the 1990 Mikasa Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year. She currently holds the individual records in Career Digs (958) and Season Kills (512).
Before attending St. Bonaventure, Thurman graduated from West Middlesex HS in West Middlesex, PA. There she was a three sport stand-out for the Big Reds (volleyball, basketball, and track). In volleyball, she was 1st team All-State her junior and senior years. She was a 4 year letterman in track and basketball (5th in all-time scoring). She has been inducted into the WMHS Hall of Fame as an individual and a member of the District 10 Championship team.
Thurman was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and now resides in Las Vegas and has for the last 19 years. In 2002, she married James Thurman and they have two wonderful children – David and Ellie.
During Thurman’s tenure at Las Vegas HS, she was the head coach of the girls’ program (2000-2015) where she compiled a 214-111 record capturing 12 Northeast Conference championships. As the head boys’ coach (2005-2015), she recorded a 225-69 record. Under Thurman’s tutelage, the Wildcat’s won Nevada State Championships in 2005 and 2008. They also won 3 Sunrise Regional Titles, 10 Northeast Conference Titles, and appeared in the Nevada State Tournament 6 out of her 11 years at the helm. Sue was voted Northeast Conference Coach of the Year 9 seasons.
