LEXINGTON, Ky. --- Lees-McRae College men's
volleyball coach James Goodridge has been named to the American
Volleyball Coaches Association Thirty under 30 for the first time
in his career, announced AVCA officials Thursday. The award was
created in 2009 to honor up-and-coming coaching talent at all
levels of the sport.
Goodridge is one of two men's coaches honored with the award,
joining NCAA Division III Elmira College's Jeff Lennox. The former
Florida State University Seminole is the lone recipient from the
state of North Carolina, and the only honoree from Conference
Carolinas.
"I am very proud to have James on our staff, this achievement is
a recognition for his work in college volleyball and the character
of a person we want on our staff at Lees-McRae College," said
Director of Athletics Craig McPhail. "These honors highlight the
body of work and why we are excited for James in this
accomplishment."
In his second year at the helm of the Bobcat men's volleyball
program, Goodridge led Lees-McRae to a 16-10 record last spring,
including a 5-3 mark in Conference Carolinas play to finish the
campaign tied for second in the league standings. The Bobcats have
posted a 5-5 record thus far in 2012, including a 2-1 mark in
conference play following a 3-1 win over Limestone College and a
heartbreaking four-set setback against league-leading Pfeiffer
University this past weekend.
Goodridge began his coaching career directly after high school,
coaching while attending college at Florida State. During his time
at FSU, Goodridge served as the head coach of the Seminole's men's
club team. After graduating from Florida State, Goodridge became an
assistant for the men's and women's volleyball teams at Springfield
College in Springfield, Mass. playing an integral role in the
success of the women's program.
Following his tenure at Springfield, Goodridge served as the
interim head coach of the women's volleyball team at Mount Olive
College in Mount Olive, N.C., leading the Trojans to the conference
tournament championship match as the fifth seed in 2008. Goodridge
was named the associate head coach of the men's program during the
following season.
- LMC -
