Press Release courtesy of Toledo Athletics
Toledo volleyball head coach Jason Oliver announced changes to his coaching staff on Thursday. Bethany Martin is remaining on the staff as an assistant and Toledo graduate Evan Antal is joining the Rockets as an assistant as well.
“One of the most important things on my to-do list was to fill out the staff with professional, passionate, and knowledgeable coaches,” Oliver said. “I have done just that with Evan and Bethany.”
The newest addition to the UT volleyball staff is Antal, who comes to Toledo after two seasons as the director of operations at Bowling Green. His role with the Rockets will be more on the technical side. He will be assisting with floor defense and attacking, as well as serving and receiving.
“Evan has Midnight Blue and Gold in his blood,” Oliver said. “Being a graduate of UT and having a ton of practical experience in the Mid-American Conference will allow the players to see his passion for the game and gives him instant credibility.”
While at Bowling Green, Antal was tasked with managing the day-to-day operations of the volleyball program. This included video and statistical analysis for internal and scouting purposes, coordinating team travel, organizing youth camps, and serving as the team’s liaison to all areas of the athletic department. His role also included overseeing the team’s student manager and scheduling interviews, meetings, and scouting sessions for the Falcons.
Prior to his stint at Bowling Green, Antal graduated from UT in June 2015 with a degree in exercise science while minoring in business administration. Since 2014, he has been an assistant coach at Premier Volleyball Academy in Maumee. Not only does he coach and train young players prior to starting their collegiate careers, he also organizes and runs all adult volleyball and basketball leagues.
“I am ecstatic about being back at the University of Toledo,” Antal said. “As a student, I was a huge fan of this volleyball program and it is truly an honor to be a part of it on a larger scale. I would like to thank Jason Oliver, Bethany Martin, and Kelly Andrews for meeting with me on the day of my interview. I would also like to thank all of my mentors and players that I have coached so far. They are the reason I am who I am today, and I could not be more appreciative.”
Martin will be returning to Toledo for her third season. She will be serving as UT’s recruiting coordinator, while also coaching the team’s middles and overseeing serving and blocking. Martin helped the Rockets to the second round of the 2016 MAC Tournament and has forged a special connection with the current group of players.
“I am thrilled to be continuing on at the University of Toledo,” Martin said. “I want to thank Jason for giving me the opportunity to be a part of his staff. UT is a special place and I’m very excited about the future of the volleyball program.”
“Bethany brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and a very unique ability to connect with all the players in our program,” Oliver said. “She is organized and will be a dynamic recruiter that will help take this program to the next level.”
Oliver, who was hired in January to take over the Toledo volleyball program, now has his staff in place for his first season at the helm of the Midnight Blue and Gold.
“Evan and Bethany will foster growth in this this program and I feel that this staff will be among the best in the MAC,” Oliver said. “I am looking forward to working with them every day and making this program exceptional in every aspect.”
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