Feb. 13, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina head volleyball coach Nancy Somera announced the hiring of assistant coach Damian Elder on Monday. Elder comes to Carolina from Stanford University where he served the last two years as a volunteer assistant coach for the Cardinal’s women’s program.

“We are very excited to have Damian join our staff,” said Somera. “He brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the gym, and he is also a great technical skills coach and a great motivator. Being at Stanford, he has had the opportunity to work with some of the best players in the world and has gained great coaching experience. I have seen how he has worked with players and how he has helped them play at the highest level of the game.”

While at Stanford, Elder served on the 2004 NCAA National Champion staff and helped coach AVCA Player of the Year, Ogonna Nnamani. Prior to Stanford, Elder was an assistant coach at Fresno City College where his team finished second in their conference with a 25-6 record. From 1996-2003, Elder was a head coach at the Fresno Volleyball Club, and served as club director from 1999-2002.

Elder got his coaching start at Bullard High School in Fresno, where he served as the varsity head coach from 1997-2000 and his teams compiled a 111-19 overall record. Bullard H.S. was crowned Section Champions in 2000 and placed third in the Division I State Championships.

“I have always had a lot of respect for Nancy and Ben and I am extremely excited about working with them and helping South Carolina reach that top level of competition,” said Elder. “This is a great opportunity and I am really looking forward to coaching here.”

A graduate of Fresno State, Elder earned his B.A. degree in English in 2002.