Canyons Names Interim Volleyball Head Coach

With former College of the Canyons women's volleyball head coach Lisa Hooper moving into a faculty leadership position on campus, longtime assistant Clay Timmons will serve as interim head coach of the program beginning this season.

"We look forward to seeing the proud tradition of the COC women's volleyball program continue under Clay's leadership," said Chuck Lyon, COC Interim Dean of Physical Education, Kinesiology, Athletics & Athletic Director. "His combination of knowledge and experience will be invaluable as the team defends its conference title."

Timmons takes charge of the program on an interim basis after having served as an assistant under Hooper for 11 seasons. During that time he helped guide the Lady Cougars to three straight Western State Conference, South titles in 2013, 2014 and 2015. 

Hooper, a professor in the physical education and kinesiology department, is stepping away from coaching for now. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she has accepted an appointment from the college's Academic Senate to serve as the college's chair of curriculum, a position that rotates among faculty members.

"Clay is going to be a terrific head coach," said Hooper, who brought Timmons into the program as a volunteer assistant coach in 2004 and had him on staff for 11 of the next 12 seasons. "I've watched his skill set grow over the years and know that COC volleyball would not have been as successful over the past decade if he wasn't on our staff.   

"I am extremely appreciative and excited about the opportunity to take the reins of such an upstanding and successful volleyball program," said Timmons. "It's my goal to continue the legacy of excellence established by Lisa Hooper, whose achievements can be measured not just on the court, but in the classroom and in the high character of the student-athletes who have helped shape this program." 

Timmons also coaches club volleyball with the Los Angeles Volleyball Academy (LAVA), North division in Santa Clarita. His team, which competes in the 18's age division both regionally and nationally, has also enjoyed tremendous success in recent years, including a fifth place finish at the Junior National Championships in 2015.

The 2016 COC women's volleyball team will return to action vs. Irvine Valley College at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, in the Cougar Cage.