March 5, 2008

Steve Voltz Tabbed to Lead Huntingdon Women's Soccer Program

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Huntingdon College President J. Cameron West and Director of Athletics Buzz Phillips announced the hiring of Steve Voltz as the head coach of the Huntingdon women’s soccer program on Wednesday. Voltz will begin his new position immediately.

Voltz replaces former Lady Hawks coach Stephen Andrew, who left for a similar position at Piedmont College.

“Steve Voltz's breadth of experience is exciting -- ranging from player to coach in settings from secondary to post-secondary institutions,” West said. “He has taken his training as a coach seriously, earning the National Diploma, Advanced National Diploma, and Premier Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Moreover, he is familiar with the sport in both Germany and the United States, as well as the club and high school soccer communities in the Southeast. What a wonderful opportunity for the women on our team to work with a coach who has his depth of knowledge, skill, and training. We're looking forward to a great women's soccer season next fall.”

“I am very excited about the addition of Steve Voltz to my staff of coaches,” Phillips continued. “He has an extensive knowledge of the game of soccer, beginning with his playing days at the University of Florida and most recently as an assistant coach at Slippery Rock. With the growth that soccer has had in the Montgomery area recently and with Steve’s familiarity with the Southeast region, I think he has a great opportunity to revive the program and get it heading in the right direction.”

Voltz joins the Huntingdon staff after spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Penn.

During his tenure with the Rock, Voltz handled a variety of tasks, including fundraising, player evaluation in the recruiting process, planning of team travel, film editing and analysis, scouting of opponents, and the planning, organization and management of camps.

Voltz helped the Rock to the NCAA Tournament in both of his seasons. During his final season, Slippery Rock posted a school-record 17 victories and finished the season ranked 22nd by the NSCAA. The Rock also captured the Regular-Season Western Division Championship of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and was ranked as high as third in the nation.

Prior to his time with Slippery Rock, Voltz spent two seasons as the Head Girls Soccer Coach at Shades Valley High School, in Birmingham, Ala.

While with SVHS, Voltz guided the Mounties to the Alabama 6A State Playoffs in his first season, while earning as high as a No. 9 ranking in the Alabama 6A Coaches Poll during his second year. During the 2006 season, Shades Valley captured the Island Cup Soccer Tournament Championship in Orange Beach, Ala. While at the helm, he was responsible for the scheduling of all practices and games, field and facility management, off-season workouts and the management of the team’s budget.

Voltz also has an extensive tenure of coaching High School and Club Soccer, both boys and girls, in the Southeast. He has also earned multiple coaching licenses from the NSCAA, including his Premier Diploma, the top license available through the organization, as well as his National and Advanced National Diploma with Distinction.

Born and raised in Offenbach, Germany, Voltz grew up no stranger to soccer, as his father and younger brother each played and coached soccer. He began his playing career with SG Rosenhöhe in Germany, before moving to the United States and completing his prep career at Melbourne High School, in Melbourne, Fla. He went on to play four seasons at the University of Florida, where he was a three-year starter.

Voltz earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Florida.

“I think the potential for Huntingdon women’s soccer to compete at the highest level is just around the corner,” Voltz said. “It will require a lot of hard work by the staff and the players, but I know that we are up for the challenge and I look forward to bringing stability and excitement to the program. I am excited to join the staff and am ready to get to work.”

A resident of Montgomery, Voltz will also be involved with Club Soccer in the area.