OCU’s head volleyball coach is leaving the university after one season with the Stars.
Arkansas State University officials announced yesterday that Restrepo will become the volleyball head coach at the university. During his time as coach, Restrepo led the Stars to a 31-6 record and advanced the team to the NAIA Championships.
Restrepo said he decided to take the job at Arkansas State because they have a division one program and are well-established.
“They are rated in a very good conference,” he said. “The level is a lot higher.”
Restrepo said he wants the volleyball players to know how much he cares for them.
“I love them to death,” he said. “It has nothing to do with them. It’s just a personal business decision.”
Athletic Director Jim Abbott said Restrepo had a positive impact on OCU athletics.
“He did a nice job with our team,” he said. “We won the conference regular season and tournament championship. We made it to the NAIA championships.”
Junior Setter Michelle Krenowicz said it’s difficult to see Restrepo switch schools because she has had a different coach every season since she has come to OCU.
“It is very sad to see him leave, but this new coaching job is a great opportunity for him,” Krenowicz said. “He took five returners and added 11 new players, and we were able to have a very successful season.”
Krenowicz said Restrepo helped players grow as athletes as well as students.
“He was a tough coach, but he did a lot for us and taught us more than just volleyball,” she said.
Abbott said the university is undergoing a national search for a new head coach.
“We generally are looking for someone that can be the CEO of our volleyball program, who can recruit outstanding student athletes, manage budgets, ensure academic success of our team, and ensure that our team members contribute socially on campus,” he said.
Abbott said there is not a set deadline as to when a new coach will be hired.
Krenowicz said she hopes the new coach will push the players to be the best they can be.
“I just have high expectations for him or her to lead us to nationals again as we have done every year since I’ve been here,” she said.
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