VANCOUVER - Chris Densmore has been hired as the UBC Thunderbirds men's volleyball full-time assistant coach. He is replacing Leo Carroll who will be moving to Ireland in the fall to pursue a degree in medicine from the University College of Cork.
Densmore brings more than 15 years of coaching experience to the T-Bird program and most recently served as head coach of the Vancouver Island University Mariners men's team since 2002. During his time at VIU, Densmore led the Mariners to six BCCAA medals, including a pair of golds, as well as one silver at the CCAA Championships and was named the 2006-07 BCCAA and CCAA coach of the year.
He also has extensive experience at the national and provincial level, leading the Team BC beach program from 2001-2006 in addition to coaching Team Canada beach entries at the 2003 and 2006 U21 World Championships and 2007 U19 World Championships. He was also an assistant coach with the U16 and U18 Team BC indoor squads from 1998-2005.
Richard Schick, head coach of the T-Birds, is excited to be adding a coach to his staff with an impressive resume since Carroll made such a strong impression during his two years.
"Chris brings the energy, passion and organization of another head coach to our program. He is extremely knowledgeable and understands how all aspects of the game relate to success both on and off the court," said Schick. "Leo was phenomenal to work with over the past two years and his contribution to the program is immeasurable. He provided our players with an outlook on the game which has helped them improve technically as well as grow as individuals. Chris is the type of coach that can make a similar impact."
Densmore's coaching development already has connections to the T-Bird program as he coached former UBC standouts Jared Krause and Jamie Broder as part of his provincial and national team commitments.
Doug Reimer, the T-Birds women's head coach, has served as Densmore's mentor.
"Who wouldn't want to come and coach at UBC? You look at all the schools you could be a part of and not much else compares. This is a good place to be and it's a good stepping stone for moving my career forward," said Densmore.
While leading the Mariners, Densmore went back to school and earned his MBA at VIU after graduating with a business degree from Okanagan University College.
This path has led Densmore to develop a style of coaching he thinks will be a great compliment to Schick.
"Rich's strengths and my strengths are different so I think that helps with running the program. There is no issue for me being an assistant coach as I have the utmost respect for Rich and his abilities but it's definitely a plus with both of us having a lot of experience."
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