New OSU women’s volleyball assistant coach Jay Van Vark.
Credit: Courtesy of OSU Athletics
The Ohio State women’s volleyball program has added the former California State-San Marcos associate head coach to its staff.
Jay Van Vark will serve as an assistant coach for the Buckeyes, according to a Wednesday press release.
Van Vark has been at Cal-State since last year and spent this summer working with Team USA, including the USA Collegiate National Team. Prior to that, he coached at San Diego State.
During his playing years, he played for the Iowa State Cyclones, the semi-professional indoor ACCO Sportswear team and outdoors for East Beach.
OSU junior outside hitter Katie Mitchell worked with Van Vark on the Collegiate National Team this summer.
“Coach Jay’s competitive, relaxed and fun-loving coaching style helped my team keep focused and push through the long training sessions,” Mitchell said in a released statement. “I had a blast playing with him this past summer and look forward to the positive impact he will make on the Ohio State volleyball program.”
Buckeye coach Geoff Carlston also gave Van Vark a vote of confidence.
“Jay is someone I know and trust,” Carlston said in a released statement. “He sees the tactics of volleyball as well as anyone in the game. His experience with USA Volleyball will be a strong asset to have on our staff and in our gym.”
Van Vark will be paid an salary of $57,000 but does not have a contract, an OSU spokesman said in an email. Van Vark is replacing former assistant coach Mike Terrill, who accepted an assistant coaching position at a school in his home state of California.
OSU is scheduled to start its season Aug. 29 at the University of Oregon Tournament against Oregon. The Buckeyes are set to follow that opening game with a doubleheader Aug. 30 against Illinois State and Central Arkansas.
