SFA Volleyball Tabs Sykes as New Assistant
2/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Feb. 14, 2005
NACOGDOCHES - Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack volleyball head coach Debbie Humphreys announced the hiring of Steve Sykes as the assistant coach. Sykes replaces Justin Gibert who resigned last month to become the new head coach at Lamar.
"Steve is the perfect fit," said Humphreys. "We have very similar philosophies with regard to style of play. That will help in recruiting because we know what type of athlete it takes to fit into our system. I also respect the experience that Steve brings to SFA. He understands what it takes to be successful and he is willing to do whatever is necessary to reach our goals. Steve Sykes is the answer and I'm really looking forward to working with him."
During his time in collegiate volleyball, Sykes' teams have been known for their tenacious defense and solid ball control while he prefers a quick and up-tempo offense.
Sykes has spent 11 seasons in collegiate volleyball, including four as a head coach at the NCAA Division I level. Sykes has had coaching stops at Southern Mississippi, Birmingham Southern and Mercer during his career.
While in Hattiesburg, Miss., Sykes was responsible for helping turnaround a struggling program. In his first season, the Lady Golden Eagles won only five matches, but that win total grew every year culminating in a 21-10 (.677) record in 1998.
Sykes was named the head coach at USM in 1997 and his teams recorded a 65-55 (.537) overall record in his four seasons. During his time as the Lady Golden Eagles' head coach, four athletes earned All-Conference USA honors, including one first-team selection. Sykes also placed a member on the Conference USA All-Freshman team during the 1998 season.
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