Coaches' Corner: Head Volleyball Coach Michelle Patton Coleman

Riverside—When I first decided to get into coaching, I knew that I wanted to take whatever steps I needed to take to become at a head coach at the Division I level. I started out volunteering at my alma mater for a couple of years, and then eventually moved up the ranks as an assistant and recruiting coordinator. I eventually took my first head coaching job up in San Francisco, and really embraced the challenge of starting a program from scratch, and finding a way to be successful. All of these experiences helped open up the opportunity for me to come to UC Riverside.

For me, UCR is special because of the people. I love the diversity and the vibe of the campus. I ask every recruit what is different about UCR than what you imagined? Most say, it is beautiful, it's so much more green than I imagined, or the people from the staff to the students all seem so welcoming.

My vision is to put a team of student-athletes together that work hard to have success on the court and in the classroom, and bring pride to our community. The Athletics Association has played an integral part in being able to offer scholarship opportunities to our student-athletes, which is a huge part of our ability to keep improving. Also, just knowing there is a group out there that wants to know what they can do to help us all reach our goals is a great feeling.

One way that alumni, friends, and fans help us to achieve sustained succes is to just come support us at our events and spread the word about UC Riverside Volleyball, and all the positive things these young ladies are doing on the court and off. Another way would be through continued donations of any size to help us keep upgrading the needs of running a high level program.

My most memorable moment at UCR has been watching these ladies make history by having the most wins in our Big West history this past year. UCR has had so many amazing teams that have accomplished great things, and I am glad last year's team was able to take a step forward and move in the right direction.

The more supporters I meet, the more I know I made the right decision in coming to UC Riverside. They truly care about the future of the program, and we talk about this with our players. It's an awesome feeling knowing there are people who believe in what you are doing and are contributing to help our program grow.

UC Riverside Athletics Association members might not know that I have two young boys who keep me busy outside of my role at UCR. Kainoa is 6 and Kekoa is 15 months old.

GO HIGHLANDERS!

Coaches' Corner: Head Volleyball Coach Michelle Patton Coleman

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