University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Jay Grassley to serve as color analyst for Panther volleyball, Riley Cole named new UNI volleyball, softball PA announcer
8/16/2024 3:30:00 PM | Softball, Women's Volleyball
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- UNI Athletics has announced that Jay Grassley will join Panther volleyball broadcasts for television and radio as a color analyst.
Having spent the previous 29 years as the public address announcer for the UNI volleyball team, Grassley will join the TV broadcast family alongside former
Panther outside hitter Beth West (Discher). Grassley will also make guest appearances as a color commentator for UNI volleyball radio presentations with current play-by-play broadcaster Chris Kleinhans-Schulz.
"Jay Grassley has been involved with UNI volleyball since his collegiate days as a student manager," said UNI Director of Athletics Megan Franklin. "It is exciting for Panther volleyball fans tuning in or listening in to get to hear his insights into the game and team thanks to his passion for the program and the sport."
A UNI graduate and former student manager for the Panthers, Grassley has been deeply involved in the game of volleyball for decades. In addition to his experience as UNI's PA announcer for home matches in the McLeod Center, and formerly the West Gym, he has also provided color commentary for TV broadcasts of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) state volleyball tournaments, as well as the NAIA Men's Volleyball National Championships. Additionally, Grassley has served as a volleyball official for countless club and high school matches, and is also the director of the Six Pack volleyball club based in Cedar Falls.
In Jay's stead, Riley Cole will step into the role of public address announcer for the Panther volleyball and softball teams beginning with the 2024-25 athletic season. Cole, who works full-time as a Communications Specialist with the Linn County Public Health Department, is no stranger to college athletics and announcing.
"I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to come on board as the public address announcer for UNI volleyball and softball," said Cole. "It's a true honor to serve in this capacity, especially with this year marking the 50th anniversary of UNI volleyball. I am looking forward to working with the talented team at UNI to create a positive game day experience for athletes, coaches, and fans!"
Cole has served as the PA announcer for the IGHSAU state volleyball championships, which has included announcing for five individual classes over the course of the state tournament in Coralville. She has also provided PA services for the IGHSAU's high school wrestling and softball championship events, along with several other high school wrestling competitions and for Wartburg women's wrestling, helping provide an in-arena voice for one of the nation's fastest growing sports. She
also spent the previous school year as a high school girl's wrestling correspondent for the Cedar Rapids Gazette, and is also a former assistant sports information director at Wartburg College and Sports Editor of Waverly Newspapers.
"Join me in a warm welcome to Riley Cole," Franklin said. "Riley is a pioneer in the field and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her on the microphone. We look forward to her helping bring the energy and excitement to Panther game days this season."
Cole will make her debut on the microphone during UNI volleyball's Purple and Gold Scrimmage tomorrow at 3 p.m. CT at the McLeod Center. The event is free and open to the public.
UNI Athletics action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Athletics), X (@UNIAthletics) and on Instagram (@uniathletics). The full 2024 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
