Volleyball program continues search for new head coach as Olson resignation now in effect
Head Volleyball Coach Erik Olson.
The Central Michigan volleyball team is officially without a head coach.
On Dec. 1, now former head volleyball coach Erik Olson informed CMU Director of Athletics Dave Heeke of his voluntary resignation. The resignation of Olson, who had been on paid leave for nearly two months, was effective Dec. 31 and comes exactly one year before his contract was set to expire.
Heeke sent a letter to Olson on Sept. 23 which stated the Faculty Association received a complaint that Olson “engaged in unprofessional behavior towards the athletes” that would eventually lead to a two-month investigation.
Olson was placed on paid leave on Oct. 6. Heeke said he had not been in contact with Olson during the two-month investigation.
Central Michigan Life received Olson's personnel file last month through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
Before Olson was placed on paid leave, the volleyball team compiled a record of 6-11 (1-3 Mid-American Conference).
Associate Head Coach Theresa Beeckman and assistant coaches Adam Rollman and Kelly Maxwell collectively coached the volleyball team to a 5-7 record. Beeckman’s contract expired on Dec. 31 and will not return in a coaching role, according to Heeke.
Heeke added Rollman has been leading the program in day-to-day activities and Maxwell is a graduate assistant.
CM Life attempted to contact Olson numerous times but he did not respond. CM Life also reached out to Faculty Personnel Services but no additional information was given.
Olson was hired in 2004 after three seasons as an assistant coach at Miami (Florida). He amassed a 161-183 record in his 12 seasons as head coach of the Chippewas and won the MAC Tournament in 2011.
His tenure saw the transfers of four student-athletes and the departure of two others. Setter Jordan Timmer now plays at Washington State, outside hitter Melissa Fuchs competes at Houston Baptist and defensive specialist Andrea Gothard is a student at Michigan State.
In addition, three members of the 2014 roster left the program with eligibility remaining. Setter Kylie Copple now plays for Portland State, while defensive specialists Kristen Reenders and Nicole Czehowski are no longer with the program.
CM Life attempted to contact these athletes but did not receive responses.
Heeke said on Dec. 1 that he was in the process of finding a new head coach. On Dec. 5, the position was posted on simplyhired.com.
The posting states the new coach’s responsibilities include “providing positive direction and leadership to maintain a successful women’s volleyball program and championship culture.”
The required qualifications for candidates include a bachelor’s degree, five years of coaching experience, demonstrated collegiate volleyball recruiting and knowledge and commitment to following NCAA rules and policies. Candidates also must possess proven integrity, demonstrate leadership skills and have effective verbal and written communication skills.
