Delaware State University Director of Athletics Derek Carter has announced the appointment of Ricki Williams-Ellison as the new head coach of the Hornets' women's bowling team.

"With the success our bowling team has had, it is important that we bring someone in that is the right fit," said Athletic Director Derek Carter. "And we feel that Ricki is that person. Coming highly recommend by former coach Kim Terrell-Kearney, Ricki will continue to build on the teams' winning attitude. We expect great things from her and look forward to a long and successful career here at Delaware State."

Williams-Ellison is a former member of the USA Junior National Bowling Team and a standout competitor at Wichita State University. She also competed in the 2005 United States Bowling Congress Queen Tournament in Detroit, Mich.

A lifelong resident of Wichita, Kan., Williams-Ellison was a member of the USA Jr. National Team that competed in the 2008 World Youth Championships in Orlando, Fla.  Her three seasons on the Wichita State bowling team was highlighted by the 2008 Intercollegiate Team National Championship. In the 2005 USBC Queens Tournament, Williams-Ellison competed as an amateur against a field that included, among other professionals, Kim Terrell-Kearney, whom she succeeds as Delaware State head bowling coach.

Terrell-Kearney led the Hornets to within two wins of the of the 2009 NCAA National Championship and the school's first-ever Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title last season before accepting a position with the United States Bowling Congress in Arlington, Tex., earlier this year.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to join the Delaware State University family and the school's outstanding bowling program," said Williams-Ellison. "I know I have big shoes to fill, but the foundation for a successful program is already in place. My goal is to build on the great work that's already been done to give this team another chance to compete for the conference and national championships."

Williams-Ellison, 22, earned a bachelors degree in integrated marketing/communications from Wichita State University in 2008.

The Delaware State bowling team returns its top five performers from last year's national semifinalist team. Among the returners are Angela Reynolds and Adriana Jaime, who were named to the 2008-09 National Tenpins Coaches Association All-America Second Team, and third team selection Kalyn Washburn. In addition, Jazmyne Hefflefinger was an Honorable Mention selection.

The 2009-10 DSU bowling season gets underway Oct. 31 at the Fairleigh Dickinson "Fright Knight" Invitational in Elmwood Park, N.J.