July 31, 2008

On June 30, Toby Rens became Pitt's women's head volleyball coach. Rens comes to the Panthers from Long Island University where he led the Blackbirds to four consecutive Northeast Conference titles and NCAA tournament berths. Rens will look to guide the Panthers to their 12 NCAA tournament appearance this season. PittsburghPanthers.com had the chance to sit down with Coach Rens to talk about his time in New York, getting accustomed to Pitt and the upcoming volleyball season.

 

 

 

What have the past few weeks been like since being named head coach on June 30^th?

 

"I have definitely hit the ground running. I am trying to get as much accomplished as possible before the season begins."

 

 

 

What would you say has been the most difficult part about the transition from Long Island to Pitt so far?

 

"So far it's been navigating my way through Pittsburgh. I've gotten lost a few times but now that I have my GPS system I'm doing a little better."

 

 

 

What most impacted your decision about deciding to become the head coach at Pitt?

 

"Pitt has a tremendous commitment to the student-athlete both on and off the volleyball court. Their great attention to detail and the resources they can provide greatly impacted my decision."

 

 

 

What will be the most exciting part about this upcoming season?

 

"I think working with the returning players and the incoming players and helping them reach their goals will be extremely rewarding for me. As the players reach their goals, I expect us to grow as a program as well."

 

 

 

What kind of impact would you like to make on the Pitt volleyball program this fall?

 

"In the long run I want to continue the great volleyball tradition that is already in place at Pitt. I want to develop great people and great students not just great players."

 

 

 

How important is it for your players to excel in the classroom and on the volleyball court?

 

"It's extremely important to me. While I was at Long Island, the team was able to set very high standards with their academics. We have a focused and successful group here. I want them to do their best academically, graduate with their degree and excel at anything they want to accomplish."

 

 

 

What values do you look for out of your players in relation to the game and in a bigger aspect, life in general?

 

"Mainly, that there are so many more lessons to learn from being part of a team than just wins and losses. I want all my players to develop a sense of pride in all areas of their lives, not just on the court."

 

 

 

Have you been able to meet and talk with all of your players already?

 

"I have already met the players who are here for the summer and have been in contact with the entire team. Everyone is to report August 8 and practice starts the day after so I will get to meet the others then."

 

 

 

What does it mean to you to coach at a University like Pitt?

 

"Pitt is an outstanding university with great academics and a rich tradition in volleyball. It's a great opportunity for me. The potential here at Pitt is limitless."

 

 

 

What was it like coaching in a very large city like New York? Do you think coaching in Pittsburgh will be any different?

 

"It's a very unique experience. The campus was very small, it covered only one city block. Coaching there presented a different set of challenges you had to overcome to succeed.

 

"I think Pittsburgh offers a great experience for its student-athletes. Student-athletes at Pitt have the opportunity to gain real world experience on and off the campus with internships and jobs. There is so much to offer here."

 

 

 

What expectations do you have for the team for this upcoming season?

 

"I would like to create a competitive environment in practice immediately and help all my players play at their highest level to achieve their goals. If we can accomplish that, hopefully winning the Big East Championship and getting to the NCAAs will follow."

 

 

 

What hobbies do you like to do when you are relaxing from volleyball?

 

"I was just at my first Pirate game the other night and am looking forward to following all three Pittsburgh sports teams. I also love to run when I can. I ran in the Marine Corps marathon a few years back. It was an awesome experience for me."

 

 

 

How did you first become interested in the sport?

 

"I first started becoming interested in volleyball when I was in junior high. My sisters were into the game and I was able to learn the game with them. It didn't take me long to realize that I loved the sport."

 

 

 

Have you been able to try a Primanti Brothers sandwich yet??

 

"I actually just had one when I was at the Pirate Game the other night. It's definitely unique but very good."