By Amanda Alfanos, Editor-in-Chief
Jen Gomez, former head volleyball coach, resigned from the position to pursue a job opportunity at her alma matter, Colorado State University-Pueblo. Courtesy of OCU Athletic
OCU Sports officials are seeking to fill a recently-vacated position. The goal is to appoint a new head volleyball coach by Feb. 1, Athletic Director Jim Abbott said.
Officials probably will receive about 20 applications for the position and will conduct two to three interviews, Abbott said.
“At least that’s how it’s been in the past,” he said.
Officials already have conducted at least one interview for the opening, Abbott confirmed.
Job duties include recruiting team members, coaching, teaching varsity sports for credit, and ensuing compliance with Sooner Athletic Conference and NAIA standards, according to the official position summary.
“We want someone with experience as a head coach in college and who knows the importance of the academic side, and has a good recruitment record,” Abbott said.
Vicky Murphy, junior right-side hitter, said she anticipates certain traits of the new coach.
“Our coach was determined and hard working in her expectations of us,” she said. “And I hope the new coach does that as well.”
The position summary prefers applicants to possess a master’s degree and have had at least five years experience successfully coaching at the collegiate or high school level.
Jen Gomez resigned as OCU volleyball coach prior to Christmas break to pursue other coaching opportunities. She was named Dec. 22 as Colorado State University-Pueblo’s head volleyball coach, according to a press release. Gomez is a former CSU-Pueblo assistant coach and volleyball player.
“We didn’t know Jen was leaving until just before Christmas break,” Abbott said.
Gomez built the program from scratch when OCU restarted volleyball in 2006.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunities I had here at Oklahoma City University,” Gomez said in a press release. “I got to work with great student-athletes and staff.
“I appreciate Jim Abbott for providing the opportunity to be a head coach for the first time and to build a nationally-recognized program. I have fond memories of OCU, and I am going to miss it.”
Murphy said being able to adjust to new coaching is part of being an athlete.
“I’m used to the way she used to coach for the past three years,” she said. “But moving from middle school to high school to college, I’ve never had a problem adapting.”
Jim Abbott said he applauds Gomez on her accomplishments.
“She built the OCU program from the ground up,” Abbott said in a press release. “Our program has a foundation of many achievements reached under her guidance.
“We appreciate her efforts and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
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