June 9, 2003

FURMAN ANNOUNCES HIRING OF DEREK SCHROEDER

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furman head volleyball coach Michelle Young announced on Monday the hiring of Derek Schroeder as assistant coach for the Lady Paladin program.

Schroeder joins the Furman program after a 10-month stint with the Lady Rebels of the University of Mississippi and two years as the head men's coach at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.While at Mississippi, Schroeder was involved in almost every aspect of the Lady Rebels' program, but primarily focused on training the outside hitters, scouting and charting opponents' tendencies, and grading the performances of the middle blockers.

In addition to his experience at Ole Miss and St. Clair, Schroeder served as a head coach at the University of British Columbia Volleyball Camp in 1998-99, and in 1997-98 coached the Riverside Gamblers Volleyball Club Midget Boys' Team to the Provincial Championships. Schroeder also spent three years as coach of the junior and senior boys' teams at Vincent Massey Secondary School, where his squads recorded one city championship and three finals appearances.

A native of Canada, Schroeder made a name for himself as a middle blocker, first at the University of Windsor (1993-97) and then at the University of British Columbia (1998-99), where he ranked in the top 10 in Canada in blocking, hitting percentage, and digs. He graduated from the University of Windsor in 1998 with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics; Sport Management degree.

"I am very excited to have Derek join the Lady Paladin team," said Young. "His enthusiasm and experience, both in the coaching and playing realms, will be a great asset to our program."

Schroeder, who began his duties on June 1, 2003, will assist in all areas of the Lady Paladin program, with an emphasis on coaching the middle blockers, organizing travel and video exchange, and running the Furman Booster Club.