Assistant Volleyball Coach Charles Rodman Named AVCA Assistant Coach of the Year

St. Louis, Mo., November 23, 2010 – Washington University in St. Louis assistant volleyball coach Charles Rodman was named the 2010 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III National Assistant Coach of the Year, as announced Tuesday by the association.

Rodman has been the top assistant coach at Washington University since 2005 and has undertaken a number of roles for the Bears during that time. Over the past two seasons, Rodman has worked primarily with Washington University’s ball control unit, where he has mentored two-time AVCA first-team All-American and 2009 AVCA Division III National Freshman of the Year Kelly Pang.

"Charlie is a great coach and Washington University is so fortunate to have him in our program," said Washington University head volleyball coach Rich Luenemann. "It’s akin to having a second head coach. His experience is invaluable, he’s a superb teacher of skills and concepts, and he enjoys a very positive relationship with the team."

Since Rodman joined the Washington University program the Bears have been a perennial national championship contender, making six-straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the NCAA semifinals four times, playing in three national championship matches and winning two national championships (2007, 2009). Over that six-year span Washington University has posted an overall-record of 207-24 (.896).

Prior to coming to Washington University, Rodman spent 28 years as the head volleyball coach at Bellville West High School in Belleville, Ill. He led Belleville West to 24 conference championships, 15 Class AA state tournament appearances, two state championships (1990, 1991) and an overall record of 815-164-2 (.832). Rodman was named the Illinois Girls Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1990 and 1991.

This past season was Rodman’s last with the Bears. He helped the team post an overall mark of 35-4 and advance to the NCAA Division III semifinals before the Red and Green fell to Emory University, 3-1. Washington U. was ranked No. 3 in the final AVCA Top-25 Coaches Poll of the season.

Rodman will be formally presented with his award at the 2010 Jostens Coaches Honors Luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 16, in Kansas, City, Mo. The luncheon is held in conjunction with the 2010 AVCA Annual Convention.