Coach Don Flora resigns

With numerous accolades and success, it is no wonder why the volleyball team seasons are highly anticipated.

But for the first time in 11 years, the Leopards find themselves without a coach.

Head coach Don Flora resigned from his post to a new position as an assistant at Division I New Mexico State.

The decision, effective March 27, comes within months of the Leopards NCAA Division III finals loss to Emory last season. After 11 years, Flora concludes his record 269-59 overall.

"It's a different time for both myself and the team," Flora said. "It's like leaving my family.”

His decision was unexpected for most people close by. Flora said he knew the coaching staff of the program for quite awhile.

“The head coach contacted me, Flora said. “It's one of these things that was out of the blue.”

But many members of the team were caught off guard.

“I think we were pretty surprised,” junior middle block Crista Jones said about hearing the news. “There were a lot of mix emotions.”

Jones was a key part of the Leopards success last season. Jones said the team members reacted different.

“Some were surprised and frustrated in a sense,” Jones said. “We just work really hard, things going to be change but we know where the heart of the team.”

“It’s hard too because Don is a great coach and he ran a heck of a program,” Jones added.

Jones said she was happy that Flora accepted the new position. Jones also said that the team is continuing practicing for their spring training.

“The only choice we have is to keep a positive attitude, it’s our only option,” Jones said. “Being cynical doesn’t help the situation.”

Under Flora, the volleyball program has enjoyed continue success. After taking the position following renowned coach Jim Paschal, the Leopards have captured nine consecutive Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conferences championships from 2000 to 2008.

During those years, La Verne won five West Region championships and four NCAA final four appearances.

In 2001 the Leopards posted their best record under Flora, winning the NCAA Division III national championship. The championship included Ryan Winn and newly Hall of Fame inductee, two National Players of the Year.

Flora received American Volleyball Coaches Association and Volleyball Magazine Division III Coach of the Year in 2001. Also Flora is a four-time West Region Coach of the Year.

A new search for Flora’s replacement has not started yet Kline said, but potential candidates have contacted Kline.

Flora said leaving La Verne would not be an easy task.

"There's a lot of friends and colleagues on this staff," Flora said. "It's super hard thinking about leaving the day to day interactions and support of the other staff.”

Some of Flora’s players are very supportive of Flora’s decision.

“I was surprised but I was happy for him because getting a position at a higher level is a big deal,” senior Brianna Gonzales said.

Gonzales was a standout player for the Leopards last season. She was selected to the First All-American team

Gonzales credits her success to Flora’s teaching.

“It was great, I learn so much from him,” Gonzales said. “He helped me develop to play at a high level.”

While Flora will be missed, the Leopards are looking towards the future.

“This program is bigger than all of us,” Flora said. “They have a chance to be stellar next season.”