Dec. 5, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State assistant volleyball coach Rob Beam resigned Tuesday after two years with the program, wishing to pursue a collegiate head coaching position. His resignation is effective immediately.
Beam coached ISU's liberos and defensive specialists the last two seasons. In the 2005 campaign, he helped mentor converted outside hitter Ashley Grubb into the Missouri Valley Conference Libero of the Year in just her first season playing the position.
This season, he coached ISU's defensive specialist foursome of Jessie Janik, Kasey Mollerus, Amy Olson and Kelly Waterstraat. The Redbirds led the Valley with a single-season record 2,291 digs, ranking in the top-20 in the NCAA all season.
Head coach Sharon Dingman was appreciative of Beam's contribution to the Illinois State volleyball program.
"When we hired Rob two years ago, we knew that one of his short-term career goals was to become a head coach," said Dingman. "His time spent at Illinois State has definitely prepared him for that opportunity. I appreciate the two years that he devoted to our program."
Prior to his arrival in Normal, Beam spent five years at Wright State, including the last two as the associate head coach. During his tenure, the Raiders ranked in the top-15 in the NCAA in digs-per-game in three individual campaigns.
Beam believes his stint at Illinois State has adequately prepared him for a head coaching position at the Division I level.
"The Redbird program is among the finest in the country, and it was a privilege to add my own mark on its history," said Beam. "But after the conclusion of a second successful season, I have decided to use my energy and passion for the sport to pursue other opportunities, particularly head coaching positions. With eight seasons of women's collegiate volleyball on my resume, I feel that I am ready for this next step in my career. Out of respect for the program, I am stepping down to give Sharon (Dingman) the opportunity to hire and not miss a beat with the Illinois State volleyball program."
