'M' volleyball names new head coach

Former Boise State head coach to usher in post-Giovanazzi era

Michigan Athletic Director Tom Goss announced yesterday that he has hired former Boise State coach Mark Rosen as the new volleyball coach.

"It's a great hire for the players and the program," former Michigan volleyball coach Greg Giovanazzi said. "I'm really happy he got it. I'm really happy for my (ex) players."

Rosen graduated from Cal State-Northridge in 1985. Throughout his career, he has compiled a record of 209-37 and has coached 12 all-Americans and 18 all-region selections.

Of these players two were American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National players of the year.

While coaching Boise State for one season, Rosen led his team to a second place finish in the Eastern Division of the Big West Conference. Boise State went 11-5 in conference play to achieve its best record ever in the Big West as it finished the season at 18-9.

Rosen also guided Northern Michigan to four consecutive Division II final fours from 1994-97. During those years Northern Michigan won four Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference titles. In 1994 he led his team to a Division II NCAA championship.

During his tenure at Northern Michigan, Rosen was named the GLIAC volleyball coach of the year three time, 1995-97. Asics/Volleyball Monthly named Rosen coach of the year in 1994.

Prior to his term at Northern Michigan, Rosen coached Cal State-Bakersfield to two California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) championships during his two years as coach in 1992-93. In 1993 he led his squad to the Division II national championship match.

Rosen's hiring comes one month after former Michigan volleyball coach Greg Giovanazzi retirement became official.

Giovanazzi was forced to resign at the conclusion of last season for health reasons.

"Nobody is extremely happy, but nobody is extremely upset," sophomore outside hitter C.C. Pryor said. "We're just still trying to get over having a new coach right now."

The members of the volleyball team were individually informed of the hiring and have yet to meet Rosen. But they are anticipating the meeting.

"We're just relieved to have a coach, because it took a lot longer than we expected," freshmen setter Shannon Melka said. "We're wondering who he is."

Rosen

02-02-99