The University of Alberta Augustana Campus is pleased to announce that Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation, Greg Ryan, will be assuming the Head Coach role with the Vikings Women's Volleyball program. The change in coaching follows a decision by departing Head Coach, Jim Kuchera, who will be stepping down due to health reasons.
Co-Captain Rae Metrunec anticipates a smooth transition. The left side, 3rd year Math & Physics major adds, "Greg is a very knowledgeable coach, and that will help the teams skill level, mental game, and intensity. The goal is always to make it to playoffs, and with a stronger and more experienced team than we've had in the past few years, it is definitely possible."
Ryan brings a wealth of coaching and volleyball experience to the position. He began his coaching career as the Assistant Coach for the U of C Women's Volleyball team in 1980. In 1986, he was selected as the Men's Head Coach at the U of C. Over the next 20 years he was the Conference Coach of the Year five times and Volleyball Canada Coach of the Year once. The U of C Men's Volleyball team advanced to the National Championships twelve times, winning twice, and medalling five times. In the Canada West Conference, the team won five times and medalled eight times. In 1989 the team was undefeated in Canada. From 2006-2008, Ryan served as the Women's Volleyball Head Coach at Montana State University Northern. Ryan is a Chartered Professional Coach, holding a Master Coach designation with the National Coaches Certification Program. Greg has served in various roles with Volleyball Canada, particularly in helping the sport grow in the age class divisions. He has chaired the National Indoor Committee for Volleyball for ten years.
"I am extremely excited to be working with such a great group of young athletes. I look forward to building on the foundation that Jim and Bryan created here," says Ryan. "On a personal note, I would like to thank Jim for his tremendous service with the program. A start-up in the ACAC is not an easy job, and Jim did a tremendous job."
Associate Coach, Bryan Laskosky, will remain on the bench to assist Ryan, who has also added Associate Coach, Stephen Enright to the Coaching Staff. Enright, who is currently working on his NCCP Level 3 accreditation for Volleyball, will be groomed to take on the Head Coach role in future seasons. An alumnus of Augustana, He finished his Education degree in 2010 at the University of Alberta, North Campus and is currently teaching in Camrose. With 12 years of coaching experience at the High School and Club levels, winning six provincial ASAA medals as a player and coach, Augustana is pleased to have Enright's commitment to moving up to the Collegiate level.