LEXINGTON, Ky. -- The American Volleyball Coaches Association has named Regina DeLozier and Torey Rosen as the National Coach of the Year and the National Assistant Coach of the Year for the National Christian College Athletic Association.

The AVCA selects one head coach and one assistant from all the teams in the NCCAA, both Division I and Division II. Over 200 coaches from 71 schools were eligible for selection.

This year marks the first time that either member of the powerhouse mother-daughter duo has received the accolade.

Regina DeLozier: the Undisputed Coach of the Year

DeLozier has been the undisputed coach of the year across the board. Before receiving this decoration from the AVCA, DeLozier was named the Association of Division III Independents Coach of the Year, the NCCAA North Region Coach of the Year, and the NCCAA DII National Coach of the Year.

This season, she has received every possible coach of the year honor.

Since she began coaching at Maranatha in 2008, DeLozier holds a combined record of 227-103 and has led the team to 7 NCCAA regional championships. Last month, the Sabercats won their third consecutive NCCAA DII national title under DeLozier and Rosen's leadership.

"Regina's work with the program has been nothing less than remarkable," says Rob Thompson, the Director of Athletics at MBU. "The fact that we are the NCCAA National Champions for the past three seasons speaks for itself, but behind the championships, her recognitions also speak volumes. Regina not only expects her players to elevate their on-court presence and game but works with them to elevate their personal lives. The culture she has developed within the team is inspiring."

DeLozier's approach to coaching puts the players first. While her teams win titles, she coaches character. The game itself is a part of the bigger picture. 

"[DeLozier] not only cares about us as volleyball players but as all-around individuals," says Katie Bender, a senior captain this past season. "Not only does she care about us, but she wants to instill that care in us as well. She does so much and handles it all with excellence."  

DeLozier wants her players to work hard. To back this up, DeLozier is a paragon of diligence.

"She pours so much into the program," says Rosen, talking about DeLozier's approach to her craft. "I've had a behind-the-scenes perspective of the time she spends off the court working on developing a strong program. Most of the time she invests goes unnoticed, but it is not in her character to have it any other way."

Torey Rosen: Excelling as an Assistant

Rosen joined her mother on the coaching staff last season, so she has been a part of two consecutive NCCAA DII titles.

As a four-time NCCAA All-American and two-time NCCAA DII National Player of the Year, Rosen knows the game of volleyball. Rosen has taken her prowess from a dazzling playing career and has translated it into coaching expertise.

"[Rosen] has unique insight into the game and does a good job of helping the players have a better view of the court," says Lexi Bueltel, a senior captain.

"Coach Torey is always pushing us to do our best," says Harmony Bailey, this year's JV team captain. "Even if we have a good game she encourages us in the things we did well, but looks forward to the things we need to better perfect."

Not only does Rosen offer insight into on-court skills, but she is also competent in administration - a mundane but certain need for any coaching staff.

"Torey took ownership of many administrative tasks that previously fell on the head coach," says DeLozier. "These relieved me of many tasks and allowed me to focus more on the court and on my role as the North Region Chair for the NCCAA. "

Rosen's value to the program cannot be understated.

"Torey has done a fantastic job for the program and brings her own portfolio of expertise to the program," says Thompson. "Her attention to detail and passion for the game has moved the program to higher levels of play."

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This relationship between DeLozier and Rosen is clearly more than a head coach-assistant coach partnership. The family ties and influences are strong. As a player under her mother and as a coach with DeLozier, Rosen has learned a lot from her mother.

"I've learned to stay humble without recognition which is difficult to do with our selfish human nature," says Rosen. "I've also learned that relationship investments take a lot of work but are worth it, in the end, to see the athletes grow. And the biggest thing I've learned is that we are so much more alike than I ever imagined. With that, we are able to connect and have similar visions for the program. I love being able to coach alongside my mom!"

The AVCA will formally present both coaches their awards at the 2017 Jostens Coaches Honors Luncheon in Kansas City, Mo. on Thursday, Dec. 14. The luncheon is held in conjunction with the 2017 AVCA Convention.