CONWAY, Ark. -- After 13 seasons on the Missouri State sideline, MSU associate head volleyball coach Jeni Jones has accepted the head coaching job at Central Arkansas, the Southland Conference school announced Friday afternoon.

Jones, who joined Missouri State as assistant coach prior to the 2002 season and was promoted to her current position following the 2005 campaign, helped guide the Bears to a 291-131 overall record and seven NCAA Tournaments in her 13 seasons. She also tutored five All-Americans during her tenure.

"Jeni has been an integral part of our program's success in her time her at Missouri State. Her hard work, loyalty and dedication has left a lasting mark on Missouri State Volleyball," said MSU head coach Melissa Stokes, who recently completed her 19th season. "We are all so excited for Jeni and her endeavor to lead her own program. She is more than ready and more than capable and we wish her nothing but great success. Once a Bear, always a Bear, and Jeni will always be a BEAR!"

A search will begin immediately at Missouri State for Jones's replacement.