Both will gain valuable experience from the opportunity
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville graduate assistant Jordan Holland and junior libero Ainoah Cruz will be representing the Purple Aces volleyball program at the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Convention next month in Kansas City.
“Congratulations to Jordan and Ainoah on being honored by the AVCA and earning a scholarship to attend the AVCA Convention in Kansas City this December, and what a great moment for our program,” UE head volleyball coach Zach Weinberg exclaimed. “They are incredible stewards of Aces Volleyball, and I’m thrilled the AVCA recognized what we see every day. They are going to have a remarkable experience, and I can’t wait to watch how their experience at the AVCA Convention aids them in their careers, on and off the court.”
Holland is one of 16 recipients of the Coaches 4 Coaches Scholarship. The program funds cover registration and hotel costs to bring a group of 16 up-and-coming volleyball coaches to their first AVCA Convention. This opportunity gives recipients the chance to network with successful coaches from all levels and take part in a diverse group of educational opportunities.
“The Coaches 4 Coaches cohort is incredibly selective, so Jordan earning a spot in that group says a ton about the young coach that she is and the future she has in our sport,” Weinberg said. “Jordan has grown tremendously during her time at UE, and I’m thrilled that she will have this convention experience to expand her network, meet other young coaches at similar stages of their careers, and learn a great deal about the art of coaching. She has been an integral part of the staff, and winning this scholarship is a remarkable reward for all the hard work she has put in.”
Cruz will be joining 35 other student-athletes at the convention to serve as demonstrators for on-court educational sessions throughout the event. The program, which is in its fifth year, provides attendees with the chance to attend educational seminars at the event. Many of these seminars focus on professional and personal development for coaches while giving them the chance to network with hundreds of coaches who are attending the convention.
One of the factors in selecting demonstrators was their interest in pursuing a coaching career. Of the 36 demonstrators, 31 are indoor volleyball players while five are beach players. Sixteen currently play at the Division I level, 11 at Division II, eight are currently competing in Division III and one plays at the NAIA level.
“Ainoah is the consummate leader for this program, and she is a volleyball junkie through and through. I can’t think of someone who will be a sponge and learn through this experience more than Ainoah will. Having her on the court, learning and demonstrating her skills for coaches from all over the world, is just the next step in what will be a long and prosperous volleyball career for her,” Weinberg explained. “I’m excited that she gets to attend the convention, and when she’s not on court demonstrating, she will be able to participate in the educational sessions and expose herself to a side of the game she’s not quite used to yet. This experience will be incredibly formative in her career, and I am thrilled to experience it alongside her.”
The convention takes place Dec. 17-21 in Kansas City, Mo.
