Matt Botsford knew about UCF’s volleyball program lengthy earlier than he could be picked to run it.
A lot in order that when a possibility opened in 2007, Botsford despatched in a resume, hoping to make his subsequent profession transfer. Sadly, he was handed over then however readily admits he could not have been able to be the Knights coach.
Almost 18 years later, Botsford is now in control of the UCF program and believes he’s the appropriate individual for the job.
“Someplace on this constructing, within the archives from 2007, is a resume from a younger, unqualified Matt Botsford who thought he may need a shot at that job,” Botsford mentioned at his introductory information convention on Wednesday. “Quick ahead 16 years later, and right here I’m, a lot better ready for what lies forward.
“I recall sitting at my desk on the College of Miami, occupied with what an important alternative the UCF head teaching job could be, however I wasn’t ready and didn’t know what went into constructing a program. I’m higher ready in totality for what’s required to run a program.”
UCF athletics hits new highs, challenges in first fiscal yr in Massive 12
Botsford grew to become the Knights’ new coach on Dec. 21 after 11 seasons at Florida Gulf Coast, the place he led the Eagles to 4 consecutive Atlantic Solar Convention championships. He additionally guided this system to 5 NCAA match appearances, reaching the second spherical twice (2018, 2021).
His profession file of 263-78 (.771) ranks him the ninth-best amongst lively Division I coaches.
He takes over for Jenny Maurer, fired after two seasons following a disappointing 9-18 (2-15 Massive 12) marketing campaign, this system’s first shedding season since 2015. That adopted a 17-12 (8-10 Massive 12) mark in 2023.
Maurer was promoted to move coach after her predecessor, Todd Dagenais, left to educate the Atlanta Vibe of the Skilled Volleyball Federation. The Knights certified for the NCAA match six occasions beneath Dagenais, together with 5 consecutive seasons from 2018-22.
“I noticed that we had some expertise however we weren’t getting it excessive, in order that’s after we determined,” UCF athletics director Terry Mohajir mentioned, explaining his resolution to dismiss Maurer. “Jenny did a very nice job as an assistant coach, serving to us win within the American, and we wished to see how she would do within the subsequent couple of years. She knew it might be a couple-of-years course of, and we thought it finest for our program to go in a distinct route.”
New #UCF volleyball coach Matt Botsford discusses why he determined to take the Knights’ job. pic.twitter.com/vabkcHWmUB
— Matt Murschel (@osmattmurschel) January 15, 2025
UCF has made 18 NCAA match appearances, 5 on the Division II degree, together with a nationwide championship in 1978. The Knights have 14 convention championships, together with 5 titles as members of the American Athletic Convention.
Botsford graduated from Tri-State College, the place he was a two-year captain for the lads’s volleyball group, ending as this system’s all-time chief in kills, digs and blocks. He additionally performed on seashore excursions with the MPVA (Midwest Skilled Volleyball Affiliation) and EVP (Excessive Volleyball Professionals) from 1998-2003.
His skilled profession took him to Sweden, the place he performed for the Vingaker Volleyball Membership from 2002-03) earlier than finally serving as head coach of Lindesberg Volley, a part of the nation’s Elite Sequence.
Botsford beforehand served as an assistant coach at Colorado State (2012-2014), Notre Dame (2008-11), Miami (2004-07) and IUPUI (2000-03).
When requested in regards to the potential for achievement at UCF, Botsford expresses nice optimism, asserting that there are limitless alternatives for this system to thrive.
“I don’t see any limitations, which explains why I’m right here,” he mentioned. “I didn’t get the impression from anybody concerned with UCF athletics or the volleyball program that believes there are limitations on what will be achieved. They see alternative and that’s exactly what I see.
“We’re coming in with excessive expectations and we’re going to do all the things we are able to to place this program in place and put our gamers in place to succeed on the highest ranges.”
Matt Murschel will be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com