March 22, 2007

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (March 22, 2007) - Sacred Heart University Director of Athletics Don Cook has announced that Rob Machan has been named the new head coach of the Pioneers women's volleyball program.

"We are very fortunate to have been able to attract someone like Rob from area so rich with volleyball tradition," said Director of Athletics, Don Cook. "His experience and contacts in California area can only help us in moving our women's volleyball program forward."

Machan joins the Sacred Heart athletic department after two years as an assistant coach in at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. As a member of head coach Chris Keife's staff, Machan helped guide the Cougar program back to the NAIA Tournament in 2005 for the first time since 2000. He helped the Cougars match that feat again in 2006, the first time in school history they received back to back bids to the tournament. While at APU he graduated with a Masters of Science in Physical Education

Prior to his stint at Azusa Pacific, Machan spent the previous four seasons (five overall) as a full-time assistant coach at the University of Southern California where his primary responsibilities with the team included coaching and training blocking systems, coordinating the defense and serving strategy, and assisting in recruiting. He also handled the program's alumni and community relations, as well as its gift and fundraising efforts.

After nearly two successful decades worth of experience at the club volleyball level, none could match the experience Machan enjoyed at USC under hall-of-fame coach Mick Haley. In 2002, he, along with fellow assistant Keife, helped coach USC to the national title. In 2003, he aided the Women of Troy capture a second straight national championship, its third Pac-10 championship in a five-year period and a perfect 35-0 record with an NCAA record 47-straight victories. While at USC, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

With more than 18 years of experience as a girls' volleyball coach, Machan founded the Long Beach Volleyball Club in 1986 and Power/Asics Nova Volleyball Club in 1995. He coached Long Beach Club for six seasons, worked with the Magnum Volleyball Club for two years and then spent the past five years with Power/Asics Nova. Starting in 1991, his club teams earned medals in the Junior Olympic National Open Tournament nine times, including three gold.

As the La Habra (Calif.) High varsity girls' coach from 1994 to 1995, he led the team to consecutive league titles and two CIF quarterfinal appearances.

Machan and his wife, Christy, have three children--Danielle (17), Joshua (7), and Matthew (4).

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