Chris Catanach Picks Up AVCA Regional Coach of the Year Distinction

LEXINGTON, Ky. - University of Tampa head volleyball coach Chris Catanach was honored with one of the eight 2010 AVCA Division II Regional Coach of the Year awards. Catanach was named the South Region Coach of the Year for the 12th time of his career and sixth consecutive season.

In his 27th season at the helm of the University of Tampa volleyball program, Catanach has continued to guide the Spartans to new heights. The 15-time Sunshine State Conference Coach of the Year has led Tampa to its sixth straight and 20th overall SSC title while continuing in the NCAA Division II tournament with a 19-match winning streak. The Spartans also lead the SSC in team statistical categories including hitting percentage, opponent hitting percentage, assists per set, kills per set and blocks per set.

Catanach has amassed an 839-157 career record at Tampa and has coached the team to 25 NCAA tournament appearances, 12 NCAA quarterfinal appearances, two national runner-up finishes and one NCAA Division II national championship in 2006. Catanach has now won AVCA South Region Coach of the Year accolades 12 total times (1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010).

Each of the honorees will represent their region on the 2010 AVCA National Coach of the Year ballot.

The awards will be officially presented at the 2010 Jostens Coaches Honors Luncheon in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, Dec. 16, at the 2010 American Volleyball Coaches Association Annual Convention.