Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Jim Stone announces he will retire after the 2007 season – Ohio State Buckeyes
9/10/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jim Stone, Ohio State women’s volleyball head coach, announced Monday he will retire effective July 31, 2008. In his 26th season with the Buckeyes, Stone has a 523-279 (.652) overall record with the Buckeyes and is 190-164 (.639) in Big Ten Conference play. Under Stone, Ohio State has won three Big Ten Championships (1989, 91, 94) and the Buckeyes have played in 15 of the last 18 NCAA championships, advancing to the national championship semifinals in 1991 and 1994.
“I have been coaching every fall for 29 years,” Stone said. “I’ve found every season challenging and fun. I’d like to thank both Ohio State and University of Wyoming for the opportunity to pursue a passion.”
Gene Smith, director of athletics at The Ohio State University praised the career of Stone.
“Jim has been an ambassador for The Ohio State University and our volleyball program for more than a quarter century,” Smith said. “His record and list of accomplishments overshadow the positive effect he has had on hundreds of young people over the years. He will be missed.”
Stone was named the Asics/Volleyball Monthly Coach of the Year in 1991 and has been named the Big Ten Coach of the Year four times (1989, 1991, 1994 and 2,004). He was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association 1998 North central Region Coach of the Year and the AVCA Mideast Region Coach of the Year in 1989, 1992 and 2004.
During his tenure, Stone has coached two AVCA National Players of the Year in Laura Davis and Stacey Gordon (co) and has had 22 All-Americans in the program. In the Big Ten, the Buckeyes have had six Big Ten players of the year and six freshmen of the year along with 59 All-Big Ten selections. He has produced 74 academic All-Big Ten selections and 171 Ohio State scholar-athletes
“I know I will miss coaching good players and I’ve been fortunate to be able to do that,” Stone said. “Watching players improve and achieve great things is a thrill for which I have no words to describe.”
Prior to Ohio State, Stone coached three years at Wyoming. He recorded a 50-42 record with the Cowgirls. He was named Intermountain Athletic Conference Coach of the Year for his 20-9 mark in 1981. For his 29-year career, Stone has a 573-321 (.641) career record.
In addition to his coaching experience at Wyoming, Stone served as head coach of the 1976 Bowling Green State men’s volleyball club team. In 1975, he served as the assistant coach at Kellogg Community College, which won the junior college national championship that year.
With regards to his future plans, Stone is keeping his options open.
“I am not going to rule out coaching again, but right now I would like to step away to work on some volleyball-related projects that I’m excited about.”
Stone and the 20th-ranked Buckeyes (5-1) will play Tuesday at Illinois State (8-2) and then return home to host the Sports Imports Classic playing fourth-ranked Southern California (8-0) Friday and Oregon (9-0) Saturday at 7 p.m. in St. John Arena.
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