by Chrissy Zehrbach
Sports Editor
After announcing in March that he had accepted an assistant coaching position at the University of Washington, Don Flora has decided to stay with the University of La Verne women’s volleyball team, much to the surprise of his athletes.
“We were all speechless when we heard the news that he was coming back,” junior Amanda Thomas said.
Both Don Flora and his wife, Jeanne Flora, associate professor of speech communications, had accepted positions in Washington. Jeanne would have taught in the communications department there.
But, Don Flora said, “It makes more sense to be here for my whole family.”
Jeanne Flora, who is on maternity leave, will resume teaching speech communications classes in the fall and Don Flora will head the women’s volleyball team for his seventh season.
“This program and these girls are so special to my family and my joy for volleyball. I love this program and I love this team,” Don Flora said.
Along with his coaching duties, Don Flora will also hold a new position, assistant athletic director for development, working on fundraising.
“La Verne offered me a full-time position,” Don Flora said. “It’s what I’ve wanted for many years. I’m taking that opportunity.”
Athletic Director Chris Ragsdale said that with the possibility of upcoming changes to the Student Center and other facilities, the department would have to generate funds for those renovations.
“It really surfaced out of a growing need for our athletic department to generate additional revenue for our programs,” Ragsdale said. “The situation could benefit itself with Don’s unique abilities and specific background and experience.”
After the announcement Don Flora would be leaving, assistant volleyball coach Randi Smart had been named interim head coach. She ran the spring practices and recruiting, but recently said she would not return in the fall.
“We’re not pleased with the way the whole situation was handled,” Thomas said.
“We deeply appreciate (Smart’s) contributions,” Ragsdale said. She is an extremely talented young woman and I think she’ll be a very successful coach in any endeavor she chooses.”
