January 17, 2007

Eric Snyder, who served during as Assistant Volleyball Coach at the University of South Alabama this past fall, has been named as Head Volleyball Coach at Stonehill College, effective immediately. Snyder's appointment was confirmed by Paula J. Suillivan, Stonehill's Director of Athletics, as he replaces Brad Alexander, who retired after five seasons at the helm this past November.

A native of Wilbraham, Mass., Snyder returns to his New England roots after serving as an assistant for the Division I Jaguars during the 2006 campaign, as he was involved in all aspects of the program, including game coaching, practice management and preparation as well as recruiting. Snyder gained additional experience as a graduate assistant volleyball coach at Tiffin (Ohio) University, where he was also involved in all aspects of the Dragons' program during a two-year stint in 2004 and 2005.

"I am very excited for the opportunity to become part of a great athletic and academic community here at Stonehill," Snyder says of his appointment. "There are a great number of challenges ahead for our program, and I am confident that with hard work and support that our program will return to prominence and a high level of competition."

A 2004 graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, Snyder served as an assistant volleyball coach during his undergraduate tenure under Penmen Head Coach John Vaughn, as he helped lead Southern New Hampshire to its highest win total in 17 years and a berth in the Northeast-10 Conference championships during his senior season in 2003.

"I am very pleased to welcome Eric into the Stonehill community," Sullivan says of Snyder's appointment. "He is very highly regarded in volleyball circles in the region and has been able to gain a great deal of experience in a very short time period. I am confident that he will guide our volleyball program in a successful direction."

Snyder, who has been a camp counselor and clinician throughout the country, has also been involved in club volleyball organizations in both Ohio and New Hampshire. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management & Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire in 2004 and a Masters of Business Administration from Tiffin in 2006.