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The coach who helped guide Erskine in its second year of existence to a berth in the NCAA Tournament is moving to the MPSF.
Cal Baptist announced Tuesday that it hired Derek Schmitt to be its assistant coach for the upcoming season.
Schmitt arrives to Cal Baptist to be a part of head coach Wes Schneider’s staff after serving as the head coach at Erskine for the last two season. As the program’s inaugural head coach, Schmitt led Erskine to the 2014 Conference Carolinas championship and a spot in the NCAA Tournament play-in match.
Erskine last season also became the first Conference Carolinas school to receive votes in the AVCA national coaches poll.
“I want to thank [President] Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, [Vice President] Kent Dacus and [Director of Athletics] Dr. Micah Parker for the providing me the opportunity to join the CBU family,” Schmitt said in a statement. “I’m super excited to start working with Wes and the team as we prepare for the upcoming 2015 season.”
Cal Baptist finished the 2014 season tied for 11th place in the MPSF and lost to Erskine in non-conference play. In addition, it was the Lancers first season after successfully completing its transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II.
“I’ve known Derek for a few years and he brings a wealth of volleyball knowledge, ranging from NAIA to NCAA Division I,” Schneider said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to what the 2015 season will bring.”
Cal Baptist returns the majority of its starters from last season’s team.
The Lancers are also attempting next season to reach the eight-team MPSF Tournament for the first time since joining the conference in 2013.