Courtesy of UC Riverside Athletics
UC Riverside Head Volleyball Coach Sue Gozansky announced her retirement today following the completion of her 39th season at the helm of the Highlanders volleyball program. She leaves with a career record of 680-519-16. A national search to replace Gozansky will begin immediately.
"I have been privileged to work at UC Riverside for 38 and a half years and to coach volleyball," Gozansky said. "I thank UCR for giving me this opportunity to grow professionally and personally. I’m honored and humbled that I was able to make a contribution to the sport and women’s athletics. It has been incredibly rewarding."
"I want to thank all of those colleagues who have challenged me, supported me and mentored me. I especially want to thank Monica Trainer, my former assistant who shared with me half of my career. I want to thank my players for believing in me and allowing me to coach them. I cherish the moments we shared. I also want to thank all those who participated in the Tribute to UCR Volleyball held last year. It was a great moment for me."
During Gozansky's years with the Highlanders, UCR won three National Championships (the AIAW Small College Championship in 1977 and the Division II National Championship in 1982 and 1986) and had a streak of 20 straight playoff appearances. She was voted coach of the year in the CCAA five times (1981, 1982, 1988, 1989, 1996). Gozansky also served as head coach for the UCR men’s volleyball team for five years.
"It is rare when someone has the pleasure to work with a true icon in any profession," said UC Riverside Director of Athletics Stan Morrison. "With three national championships, a string of 20 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, and numerous conference championships and All-Americans to her credit, Sue’s preeminence in the VB coaching fraternity is obvious."
"She has been an incredible spokesperson for the game of volleyball, for UC Riverside, and by virtue of her international work as a coach and clinician, a wonderful spokesperson for the NCAA. We wish her all the best as she begins the newest chapter in her life and her career."
In December of 2006, Gozansky was honored by the American Volleyball Coaches' Association, which inducted her into the Hall of Fame during the Final Four tournament in Omaha, Nebraska. In October 2005, Gozansky was named to the NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball 25th Anniversary Team by the NCAA.
Her national and international coaching history is equally as impressive. She has coached at the Olympic Sports Festival as well as the USA women's "B" volleyball team consisting of players being considered for roster spots on the national team and was men’s and women’s coach for the quadrennial Maccabiah Games (Jewish Olympics) in Israel in 1981, 1985, 1989 and 1993.