Emily Hiza Promoted to Assistant Coach
May 25, 2012
Corvallis, Ore. -
Oregon State University head women’s volleyball coach Taras Liskevych has announced the promotion of Emily Hiza (high-zah) to assistant coach. Hiza spent the 2011 season as a volunteer assistant.
“Emily has helped our team become better defenders and passers during her first year with our program as a volunteer assistant,” Liskevych said. “In her new position she will bring energy, enthusiasm and an indomitable competitive spirit. Her experience as a player in the Big Ten and her work with the Colorado Juniors, one of the top junior clubs in the nation, will help us in several technical and tactical areas, as well as in recruiting.”
Hiza was a standout player at the University of Iowa from 2005-08, earning Academic All-District honors twice and Big Ten Academic honors three years. The four-year team captain finished her Hawkeye career second in school history for digs with 1,929 and 12th for service aces with 97. She is a 2009 graduate of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and earned in a minor in Spanish.
Upon her graduation she accepted a position in the private sector with an investment banking company. The native of Swink, Colo., also was the head coach of the Colorado Junior Volleyball Club for two years and since May of 2011 has been the head coach of the Boss Volleyball Club in Albany, Ore.
Hiza replaces Laura Benzing, who had been on the staff since 2006.
“Laura was a key part of our staff for the last six years and will be missed,” Liskevych added. “She was instrumental in our team' consistent improvement in overall blocking and middle attacking. We wish her well in her new endeavors.”
The Beavers open the 2012 season with 12 returning letterwinners when they take to the court August 24 at a tournament being hosted by Kansas State University.
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