University of Denver head volleyball coach Beth Kuwata has resigned after 16 seasons, Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Recreation and Ritchie Center Operations Peg Bradley-Doppes announced Monday. http://j.mp/vT4ZeR
Kuwata, who guided the Pioneers to a 13-16 record in 2011, resigns as DU’s all-time winningest volleyball coach with a 254-237 (.517) record. Kuwata has been reassigned at DU and will work with DU’s development staff. A national search for Kuwata’s replacement will begin immediately.
“I want to thank all of the fantastic young women who I have had the opportunity and privilege to coach and mentor over the past 16 seasons,” Kuwata said. “Through their hard work, dedication and passion, we have been able to build a competitive volleyball program.
“During my time at DU I have enjoyed the support of many wonderful and talented people. I have learned much from my assistant coaches, support staff, administrators and coaching peers, and it is these relationships and the relationships with my past and present players that I will always cherish.”
Kuwata took over the DU volleyball program in 1996 and managed its progression from the Division II level to NCAA Division I and a perennial Sun Belt Conference Tournament participant. The Pioneers captured four SBC West Division titles (2000, 2005, 2007, 2008) under Kuwata’s tutelage and made 11 consecutive appearances in the SBC Tournament.
She placed 20 players on the SBC’s All-Conference teams, including the unanimous selections of setter Clarice Golesh-Burch in 2000, Freshman of the Year Lisa Hunter in 2003 and Defensive Player of the Year Kacie Wikierak in 2007.
Kuwata also fostered excellence in the classroom, as the Pioneers won the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s Team Academic Award in each of the last 11 seasons.
Along with her two seasons as head coach at Wyoming, Kuwata has compiled a career record of 281-270 (.510) in 18 years of coaching.
“Although, I have enjoyed my role as Head Volleyball Coach tremendously, I am thrilled with the new opportunity to be involved in DU athletics in a new capacity,” Kuwata added. “I look forward to using my passion for the University of Denver to help continue to grow our division. Go Pioneers!”
As a student-athlete for the Pioneers from 1984-87, Kuwata was selected as the team’s most valuable player four times, was named to the All-Continental Divide Conference first team three consecutive seasons, and was named CDC player of the week once. She ranks as the Pioneers’ all-time leader in service aces (192), sixth in career assists (2,850), and 10th in digs per set (2.94) and attack percentage (.233).