www.journalstar.com/articles/2008/02/04/huskerextra/volleyball/doc47a798010017b526919354.txtCavaliers tap NU assistant Maes
By TODD HENRICHS / Lincoln Journal Star
Monday, Feb 04, 2008 - 06:19:31 pm CST
It’s no surprise that after three seasons as Nebraska’s top volleyball assistant, Lee Maes has moved on to a head coaching position.
After all, Maes helped NU to a brilliant 96-5 mark in his three seasons and coached in two national championship matches while working toward his goal of having a volleyball program to call his very own.
Logical thinking would have had Maes returning to the West Coast to begin his head coaching career. Before joining the Huskers in 2005, Maes was an assistant at California for six seasons and has a degree from Long Beach State.
That he grabbed the reins at Virginia on Monday says as much about the commitment shown by the administration there as it does Maes’ own desires to become a head coach at the NCAA Division I level.
“First and foremost, the sense I received from everyone I encountered at Virginia really demonstrated that they were committed to improving the volleyball program,” Maes said, citing specifically financial and emotional support. “We’re looking to work hard to promote what we believe can be a great program.”
Maes replaces Melissa Shelton, who resigned at Virginia in December and since has taken over as head coach at William & Mary.
In 13 seasons, Shelton went 235-179, recording the most wins in school history and leading the Cavaliers to their only NCAA Tournament appearances in 1998 and 1999.
Virginia finished 18-13 last fall, its 13-9 mark good for fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference. All-time under Shelton, the Cavaliers were 108-116 in conference play.
Nebraska, meanwhile, won Big 12 titles in all three of Maes’ seasons in Lincoln, in addition to claiming the 2006 national championship. While on the Huskers’ staff, Maes was in charge of player training and opponent scouting. He directly coached NU’s middle blockers and served as recruiting coordinator.
Virginia athletic director Craig Littlepage said Maes’ experience within a championship program is invaluable.
“Since Lee’s arrival, Nebraska has been on an incredible run,” Nebraska head coach John Cook said. “We are thankful for his hard work and effort and helping Nebraska volleyball reach the next level.”
Cook said a national search is already underway to find Maes’ replacement. Maes’ predecessor at NU, Craig Skinner, recently completed his third season as the head coach at Kentucky.
Maes told Nebraska’s players of his resignation Monday.
“I’ve had the great fortune of being a Husker for three years,” he said. “My growth as a person and coach have matured as a result of the wonderful relationships fostered and experiences endured here in Lincoln.”