March 9, 2004
IOWA CITY, IA – Iowa Head Volleyball Coach Rita Buck-Crockett has decided to resign and accept an associate head coaching position at Florida State University. Buck-Crockett will remain with the Iowa volleyball program through the academic year and will join the Seminole staff in June.
“I have decided to resign my position as head coach of the Iowa volleyball team because my husband has a wonderful business opportunity in northern Florida,” said Buck-Crockett. “I think it is important to support him professionally. This is a family decision. Fortunately for me, there is a professional opportunity in the same area.”
Buck-Crockett has served as the head coach of the Iowa volleyball program for six seasons and has a career record of 50-123. She coached Julie Williams (1998), Fabiana De Abreau (2000) and Sara Meyermann (2001) to all-Big Ten honors. Meyermann was also named to the all-Midwest Region team and the USA National Team.
“Even though the wins were not always there, the program has made tremendous progress,” said Buck-Crockett. “The team is strong academically and always gives 100 percent on the court. I feel the program is very close to turning the corner and I hope the next head coach will be successful. I have put a lot of heart and soul into this program and will continue to wish the best for them. The athletes I’m leaving behind all have a special place in my heart as well as my staff, my fellow coaches and the administration.”
“Rita is a person of immense integrity with a great passion and intellect for volleyball,” said Iowa Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby. “While we always hate to lose a coach of such quality, we understand her necessity to put her family first. The recruiting and training success of her staff in the past year have positioned the program for the future. We wish her the best.”