LIVINGSTON, Ala. —University of West Alabama volleyball coach Ron Arenz has been named head volleyball coach at the University of Akron, a Division I school in Akron, Ohio.

Arenz, who came to UWA two seasons ago, guided the Tigers to one of the best volleyball seasons in school history in 2007.  The Red and White were the last undefeated team in NCAA Division II, posting a string of 18 consecutive wins and finishing the 2007 campaign with a 27-6 overall record and eight wins in league matches.  The Tigers’ hot start propelled them into the 2007 Gulf South Conference Volleyball Tournament, the first post-season berth for UWA since the 2002 campaign.  UWA also earned a program-first national ranking during the season, at No. 25.

“Ron Arenz has turned our program around at light speed and he, his excellent staff and our great players all share in this recognition” said UWA Director of Athletics E. J. Brophy. “We will miss Ron dearly but greatly appreciate all of the tireless work he has put into our volleyball program here at UWA. Akron is getting a gold mine in Coach Arenz”.

This past season, UWA had two members of the volleyball squad named to the All-GSC team and one Tiger tabbed to the All-South Region squad.  Junior Allison Nail earned First Team All-GSC honors and was named to the Daktronics All-South Region Team. Sophomore Giuliana De Francesco was voted to the GSC Second Team.  Off the court, the volleyball Tigers earned a team grade point average of 3.01 during the fall of 2007 and had a league-best 11 student-athletes earn spots on the GSC Academic Honor Roll.

“I would like to thank the administration at UWA, in particular Dr. Richard Holland and Director of Athletics E. J. Brophy, for the integral part they played in helping me build this program,” said Ron Arenz.  “With their commitment along with the support of the community, I have no doubt that UWA volleyball will continue to experience success for years to come.”

Arenz is no stranger to the Mid American Conference, as the Akron Zips are also a member of the MAC.  He served as an assistant coach at Western Michigan University from 2002-2005 before joining the Michigan State staff in 2005.

A national search for a new UWA volleyball coach will begin immediately.