Chanell Thomas Position: Director of Basketball Operations Experience: 1st Season Alma Mater: Vanderbilt '05

Chanell Thomas begins her first season on Melanie Balcomb's staff as the team's director of basketball operations.

Thomas serves as the primary liaison between the women's basketball staff and other support areas, while also coordinating team travel and over seeing the student manager program.

Thomas is no stranger to the Vanderbilt women's basketball program. She was part of the student manager program at Vanderbilt, including a stint at head manager. Thomas graduated from Vanderbilt in 2005 with a degree in human and organizational development from the Peabody College.

She also worked with the team as graduate administrative assistant during the 2005-06 season. Her basketball experience also includes time on the support staff for USA Basketball during the 2001 World University Games in Beijing, China.

After earning a master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Peabody in 2007, Thomas worked at Belmont University as a federal work study counselor in the financial services office before returning to her alma mater in 2008 as a financial aid officer.

Originally from Tuscaloosa, Ala., Thomas was raised in Columbia, Tenn. She has one daughter, Yvonne (4).

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