Michelle Gilman Cox helped develop the SIU Edwardsville volleyball program into a national power in her four years with the Cougars. Gilman was a starter in the Cougars’ first-ever intercollegiate volleyball match in 1995 and in her senior season helped SIUE to its first NCAA tournament appearance. She graduated as the school’s career leader in kills (1,898), attempts (4,340), service aces (156), points (2593.5), points per game (5.28), blocks per game (1.54), and total blocks (756). She was also second in kills per game (3.87) and third in hitting percentage (.300) and digs (1,119).The two-time GLVC Player of the Year was a three-time All-GLVC selection and earned All-Region honors in 1996 and 1998. Gilman was named the SIUE Outstanding Athlete Award winner in 1996-97 and Sportsmanship Award recipient in 1997-98 while earning team Most Valuable Player honors in all four seasons. Her efforts helped SIUE to an 83-54 overall record, a 47-21 GLVC mark and to the school’s first NCAA Tournament win.