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Volleyball coach Brian Lamppa was excited about the move to Division I. Except Lamppa won't be coaching in D-I at USD. On Tuesday, Washington State University announced Lamppa will be the new associate head coach. The move is effective immediately and was announced Tuesday afternoon in Pullman, Wash., at a WSU press conference.
Lamppa will be the associate head coach for former South Dakota State coach Andrew Palileo. Palileo was named the head coach at the same press conference. Palileo spent seven years with SDSU as their head coach and compiled a 154-86 record.
Even though the two coaches are from rival universities, Lamppa said they have a similar background.
"We share a lot of the same common beliefs and values," Lamppa said. "We have found we have quite the bond and connection and that is something that takes time to develop. I am honored and humbled he (Palileo) chose me to be on his staff."
Lamppa made the announcement he was leaving to his players on Monday afternoon.
"They were taken aback and obviously they were sad and emotional. They didn't know what to think, which is the typical reaction," Lamppa told The Volante Tuesday. "It was a shock to them and a shock to me because it came up so fast."
Junior libero Amber Kobus said the announcement was a surprise.
"We thought he was kidding at first and it was a big shock," Kobus said. "It's a great opportunity for him. They are in Division I and in a great conference."
Junior outside hitter Laura Slagter transferred from SDSU to play for the Coyotes last season and said it will be tough losing Lamppa.
"I know how much a coach can change your whole college experience," Slagter said. "The only reason I changed schools was because of the coaching staff. I hope the next coach has the same coaching style as him.
Lamppa said his wife is onboard about the move to Washington.
"She understands my dreams and passions and what this means to our family," Lamppa said. "It was a tough move but my family was behind me and I can't wait until they are able to be out here with me."
Lamppa spent five years at USD and had a record of 75-73. This past season, Lamppa guided the Coyotes to a 23-9 season, their best in school history. The record earned the Coyotes a spot in the NCAA Tournament, the second time Lamppa helped them reach the tournament.
Lamppa said USD played a big played a big part in his hiring at WSU.
"If it wasn't for USD and the support they gave me, I wouldn't have this opportunity," he said. My family and I really enjoyed our time in Vermillion and it was great to coach in the toughest conference in Division II."
The WSU job became open after former head coach Brian Heffernan resigned. Heffernan spent four seasons at WSU, but posted a 39-87 record during his tenure.
Lamppa said WSU is similar to USD, which is one of the reason he looked at it.
"Both Andrew (Palileo) and I have been through challenges like WSU's and we have both turned around bad programs," Lamppa said. "We see the same thing here at WSU and we want to bring the program back to their glory days."
USD will begin a national search for a new head coach immediately, Until then, assistant coach Kevin Marquis has been named the interim head coach.
Marquis said he is happy for Lamppa.
"It's a great opportunity for him. The Pacific 10 conference is one of the best in the nation," Marquis said. "He has been great to me and I have learned a lot from him. He has been nothing but good for me as an assistant coach."
Kobus said Marquis was the team's first choice as head coach.
"We wanted he (Marquis) to stick around and he is someone who can lead this team," Kobus said.
Slagter said Marquis would be a good coach for the team.
"He knows the coaching style, the programs and the girls," Slagter said. "I think he would be a step up from Lamppa as well."
Marquis, who has been an assistant under Lamppa for the past four years, said he is up to the challenge of being the new coach.
"I know what is expected of the program and the status of the players and facilities," Marquis said. "I have been here for four years so I feel like I am the most qualified for the position, but I also know it is up to the committee to decide who will be the next coach."
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