Brittnay Estes enters her fourth season as an assistant coach and her fifth overall season with the squad since joining the coaching staff in June 2020 as a volunteer assistant coach.
After winning 17 games the year prior, Estes was a crucial component for Lipscomb as they won 21 games last season, reaching the 20+ win mark for the 10th time under Head Coach Brandon Rosenthal. Â
In her first season with the coaching staff, Estes helped guide the team to their seventh ASUN Tournament Champion title and seventh ASUN Regular Season Champion title with a 14-2 overall record and an 11-1 conference record.
The former outside hitter returned to Nashville after spending the last five years in Los Angeles, California, where she played one season of beach volleyball at Loyola Marymount as a graduate student and then went on to the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), the country's most extensive premiere beach volleyball tour.
"PASSION. That word, that feeling, that way of life has been a cornerstone of LUV since the beginning," Rosenthal said. "We have sought out passionate people to be a part of this program, and Brittnay Estes is arguably one of the most passionate people that we have ever had in this program. This announcement is beyond exciting because we get the opportunity to blend someone and something special back into our program.
"Brittnay will bring that passion every day as a coach, and her personality is infectious. The girls are so excited to have that around them on a daily basis, obviously on the court and in practice, but also on the bus, in the hotels, in the office, and all over campus. This is an amazing opportunity to show what LUV is all about, the culture, the way we do things."
Estes graduated from Lipscomb in 2016 with a bachelor's in Journalism and New Media. She also completed a two-year master's program in Educational Studies so that one day, she would be ready to excel when this time came.
"I went to LMU to specifically get a master's in education so that I could potentially coach in college at some point in my life. Kind of selfishly, I fell in love with California and wasn't ready to leave until now. During quarantine, I saw this position come open and immediately texted Brandon that I was interested.
"Everyone around here has been shocked when I told them I am leaving, but volleyball has been such an important part of my life, and I've had so many coaches like Brandon and Billy Ebel, who really mentored me not only on the court but also in life. I am ready to begin working towards that same goal of coaching and giving back in that way."
Estes was a four-year starter for the Bisons from 2012-15, and her impact as an outside hitter and team leader was immeasurable.
As a senior, she earned AVCA All-South Region honors. She was named the ASUN Conference Player of the Year and Tournament MVP while guiding the program to its sixth of seven NCAA Tournament appearances. She posted a team-high 376 kills at a rate of 3.13 per set and hit .278 over 927 attacks. She also finished second on the squad in digs (273).
In 2014, her junior campaign, Estes was named AVCA All-South Region Honorable Mention, ASUN Second Team All-Conference, and All-Tournament team.
"Brandon always says Lipscomb volleyball is more than four years; it's for life," Estes said. "I am very thankful he is giving me a chance to return to this program. I am very, very, very thankful for the opportunity. It's one of those things where Brandon is so well appreciated and accomplished in the volleyball world, and being able to work under him is something that's going to help me grow in my career."
A native of Palm Harbor, Florida, Estes was a two-time State Champion in Class 5A and 8A in 2010 and 2011. She was also All-Region and All-District three seasons, the Times' 2011 co-player of the year in Pinellas County, and earned four varsity letters – three in volleyball and one with track.
Estes will be involved in all phases of the LUV program, and Rosenthal believes she is a special addition to the staff.
"I am beyond excited to have seen Britt play here, continue her volleyball career on the West Coast, and continue to grow as an individual," Rosenthal said. "All the while, keeping in constant communication led to this opportunity to instill what she has learned through her graduate degree and life experiences back into each of these individuals and this program.
"Britt is truly a special person, and we are so excited to be around her again on a daily basis and help her grow as a coach and, in return, help us through this season and beyond. It won't take long for any of our current team or anyone else on campus to see why she is that special of an individual. I am pumped to have her back and anxious to see what this next stage has in store for her and us."
