Ex-Vaquero Zakarian named head coach
By Dave Loveton, sports information
Friday, July 16, 2010
----------------------------------------------------
He worked with USA volleyball, club teams
Armen Zakarian is excited about the opportunity to become the head coach of the SBCC men's volleyball team.
A former SBCC and UCSB player, Zakarian takes over for Melody Parker, who retired after 13 years. The Vaqueros went 8-9 last season and placed fifth in the Western State Conference.
“I was ecstatic when Melody called and asked me to apply for the job,” said Zakarian, who played two seasons for Parker. “She taught me how to be a better person, not just on the volleyball court."
“We are thrilled to have Armen join our coaching staff,” said Vaquero interim athletic director Ellen O‘Connor. “His educational training in kinesiology combined with his positive and insightful approach to student success make him a dynamic coach. His enthusiasm and passion for student and team development create an environment where players can thrive.’
Zakarian was a two-time All-WSC performer at SBCC in 2004 and ‘05, helping tbe Vaqueros to a WSC title and a state Final Four appearance in 2005. The 6-2 outside hitter was SBCC‘s Male Athlete of the Year that season.
He played two years at UCSB under Ken Preston and was No. 2 on the team in digs in 2007 when he earned the Most Inspirational award.
He received his B.A. from UCSB in August, 2007, majoring in communications and minoring in Exercise & Sports Studies: Athletic Coaching. He’s working on his Master’s degree in Kinesiology at Cal State Sacramento and is projected to graduate in May, 2011.
Zakarian is currently the head coach of the Northern California Volleyball Club, an assistant with USA Volleyball Boys High Performance Camps and an assistant at Jesuit High. He’ll attend the USA High Performance Camp in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., on July 20-30, working with the Boys Select A1, A3 and youth training teams.
In 2007, he served as a volunteer assistant for the UCSB women’s volleyball squad and was the head coach of the Santa Barbara Boys Volleyball Club from 2003-08. He guided the 17-under team to a third-place finish at the 2007-08 USA Junior Olympics.
“SBCC’s program has always been great,” he said. “I’m bringing a young fresh pedigree. I know Santa Barbara and all the high schools. ... I want to run a fast-paced offense. Serving and passing are the name of the game.”
Zakarian said his goals are to get to the playoffs and finish in the top three in conference. He’s also an avid beach player and said he can’t wait to get back to East Beach..
