Abilene, TX – The McMurry University community extends its deepest gratitude to Cammie Petree, a true icon of War Hawks athletics, as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement from her role as head volleyball coach. For decades, Coach Petree has been synonymous with McMurry volleyball, building a program defined by consistent success, impactful leadership, and a deep connection to her alma mater.
A household name within both the McMurry and NCAA volleyball spheres and a proud inductee into the McMurry Hall of Honor as a member of the 2006 class, Petree's legacy is etched in the record books. Over her remarkable career, which spanned three different stints at the helm (1984-86, 1996-2006, and 2008-2025), Coach Petree amassed an astounding 484 career victories. This incredible achievement stands as the most wins by any coach across all athletic programs in McMurry University history. Her impressive career win percentage of .587 further underscores her consistent excellence on the sidelines.
The numbers only begin to tell the story of Petree's impact. In 2021, a pair of victories over rival Hardin-Simmons University marked a historic milestone, officially making her the winningest coach in McMurry's athletic history, surpassing the legendary Hershel Kimbrell. Beyond individual accolades, Coach Petree guided the War Hawks through periods of transition and sustained success. A shining moment came in 2012 when she led the team to an NCCAA National Championship during the university's move from NCAA Division III to Division II. For this remarkable feat, she was honored as the "National Coach of the Year" by both the NCCAA and the AVCA.
Under Petree's guidance, the program experienced an unprecedented streak of 17 consecutive winning seasons spanning from 2001 to 2021. This remarkable consistency included numerous conference accolades, with 31 all-conference players and 44 academic all-conference selections during their time in the American Southwest Conference. The War Hawks captured the ASC title in 1997 with a perfect 12-0 conference record and secured ASC West Division titles in 1998, 2002, and 2011. Petree and assistant Danielle Robarts were tabbed as the ASC "Coaching Staff of the Year" the same year. This was the fourth lead award for Petree, as she was also named ASC "Coach of the Year" in 1997, 1999, and 2001.
Even in recent years, Coach Petree continued to lead the program to success. The 2021 squad posted a strong 13-5 record, including a signature sweep of No. 9 Mary Hardin-Baylor and a semifinal appearance in the ASC Championship. The 2019 team achieved its 13th straight winning season, qualifying for the ASC Tournament, while the 2018 season saw the program reach its 10th 20-win mark.
Before her distinguished coaching career, Cammie Petree was a celebrated student-athlete at McMurry, lettering in basketball, track, and volleyball. She was a four-time all-conference selection as a volleyball player and was named NAIA all-region. She graduated in 1983 and is a member of McMurry's Athletic Hall of Honor, inducted in 2006 as a player and coach.
McMurry University expresses its sincere appreciation to Coach Cammie Petree for her unwavering dedication, her countless hours of service, and the indelible mark she has left on the lives of her players and the entire athletic department. Her legacy of victory and profound influence will continue to inspire the War Hawks for years to come.
