Redlands Community College's volleyball players reported for preseason workouts recently with one major change greeting them — their head coach.
Eric Duda was hired as the second head coach in the history of the RCC program, replacing Kristin Vincent-Steele, who left in July to take a similar position in Kansas.
“I understand I have some big shoes to fill, but I feel with my experience and with my coaching abilities I can take the program in a positive direction,” said Duda.
Duda said he knew of the RCC program after spending the last five seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.
“I knew it would be a good fit for me seeing where I am right now in my life,” Duda said. “I can still be a member of the national team and pursue my goals of becoming a head coach — so I jumped at the chance.”
Duda brings a wealth of international experience to the job gained from his other passion, playing outside hitter for the United States Men's Sitting Volleyball Team. The squad recently placed 10th in the World Championships held at UCO and will play again in November in Guadalajara, Mexico, for a spot in the 2012 Olympics in London.
Duda has also coached the 15-year-old squad for the Oklahoma Peak Performance Club program in addition to his UCO duties. Prior to his Edmond stint, Duda was a volunteer assistant coach for the University of Florida, where he also served as head coach for the Gators women's club program.
“Being a head coach for a club team for 10 years on the collegiate level, I feel comfortable in taking care of a team,” Duda said. “It's a little concerning (with the late start), but I'm used to being under the knife with the sitting volleyball team. I know this will be a challenge, but I'm comfortable with it.”
In fact, Duda said he feels the most challenging thing about the RCC job right now comes from off the court.
“The most pressing concern is getting all the small details taken care of. The coaching part and the volleyball part will be easy since it's second nature to me. The tougher part is making sure we have places to stay and all the transportation,” said Duda.
Duda graduated from the University of Florida in 2004 with a degree in sports management. While there, he played five seasons for the men's club team — two years as captain.