On Friday, the list of Cal assistant coaches departing for other programs grew to one more. The Cal volleyball team announced assistant coach Sam Crosson accepted a head coaching position at Cal Poly.
Crosson brought a bunch blocking defensive scheme and most notably the fast offense to the Bears when he joined coach Rich Feller’s staff before the 2010 season. In his first year as assistant coach, Cal posted its best season in school history, advancing to the national title game.
“He really helped us redefine Cal volleyball,” Feller told Calbears.com. “He gave us great tactical help and some new systems.”
Crosson’s departure strikes a deep blow to the program. Not only did he revitalize the Bears’ style of play, but he also largely ran the team’s scouting sessions and practices. Given his tremendous success in his short tenure with the Bears, his leaving should not come as a surprise to Cal fans.
“This is a great opportunity for Sam to become a head coach and use his vast volleyball knowledge in a program all his own,” Feller said. “I wish we could have kept him for a few more years because he added so much to our program.”
Feller also announced that director of operations, David Dantes, will function as an interim assistant coach as Feller searches for Crosson’s replacement. Prior to serving as director of operations, Dantes worked as an assistant coach at Yale and had a two-year stint as a volunteer assistant coach at Cal.
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