College Volleyball Coaching News
University of Houston Women's Volleyball Coach Bill Walton Resign
HOUSTON --- University of Houston Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades announced on Wednesday that Bill Walton has resigned as the Cougars head volleyball coach. A search for Walton’s successor will begin immediately.
“We want to thank Coach Walton for his long-term service with our volleyball program, and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors,” Rhoades added. “He has been a vital part of this Athletics Department’s history for well over two decades, and we appreciate his years of dedication to this institution and our student-athletes.”
“This career–it shouldn't be called work–has been my life for 24 years here at the University of Houston,” Walton said, “and it is with great sadness that I leave my team, which has been my family. My staff has been outstanding. Gabi Carbone is the best recruiting coordinator in my 24 years here at Houston, and Alisha McKee is fantastic. She has been my right hand for the past two years.
“I will miss both of them dearly. But most of all, I will miss my student-athletes, my team.”
Walton spent 24 seasons at Houston, leading the Cougars to an overall mark of 458-319. Walton registered an overall career mark of 668-374 in 29 seasons. His tenure on Cullen Boulevard is the fourth-longest of any UH head coach, trailing only golf’s Dave Williams (35 years, 1952-87), basketball’s Guy V. Lewis (30, 1956-86) and football’s Bill Yeoman (25, 1962-86).
Arriving in Houston in 1986, Walton led the Cougars to 11 NCAA appearances, 14 20-win seasons, the 1994 Southwest Conference championship and an appearance in the 1994 NCAA Elite Eight. A two-time AVCA South Region and Southwest Conference Coach of the Year, Walton has produced 63 All-Conference players (41 C-USA and 22 SWC) in addition to 27 All-Region selections.
He coached 1994 AVCA All-America and Olympic Festival participant Lilly Denoon and placed at least one player on an All-Conference team in 21 consecutive seasons.
Before arriving at Houston, Walton led Elmhurst College to two NCAA Division II National Championships in 1983 and 1985.
---www.UHCougars.com---
