Months after the abrupt resignation of previous Coach Elaine Donald, Calabasas’ boys volleyball has finally found their successor in time for the 2024 spring season.
Coach Eric Kay has accepted the challenge of coaching Varsity level of the boy’s program alongside Coach James in charge of Junior Varsity and Coach Ronny who coaches Frosh.
Before joining the Coyotes, Kay had already accumulated an impressive athletic resume.
“My volleyball background is quite extensive,” explained Kay. “I played club for SMBC. I played in four junior olympics, where I earned a bronze medal in one. I traveled to Austria, Slovania, Germany, and around the world to play. And I got my communications degree at CSUN. I played volleyball at the highest level with the best coaches that allowed me to observe and gather all the key information that allows me to transfer that to the team.”
With the spring season fast approaching, Coach Kay wants to create a stable foundation before aiming for loftier goals.
“My short term goal is to create an environment in which the players are excited to go to all the practices, games and to compete,” said Kay. “And to overall have an environment where the team is committed to the game. Obviously, the long term goal is to bring our first league championship for boys volleyball.”
Prior to Kay’s hiring, the chemistry inside the Coyotes volleyball program was an ambiguous matter. Starting fresh, he’s well aware of how vital fostering a cohesive culture is for overall success.
“I like to be relatable to the players to foster a positive team environment,” said Kay. “They all know I run a tight ship with high standards. Though at the right moments, I am able to just have fun and joke around. I make sure to balance my energy with the team to balance competitiveness with sportsmanship.”
While Coach Kay might not be fully acclimated to the team yet, he possesses a valuable insight into the local San Fernando Valley volleyball scene. Growing up, Kay was a star athlete at Crespi Carmelite High School, capturing First Team All Mission League honors in volleyball as well as competing in football. Now, he’ll look to use his familiarity as a weapon to guide Calabasas through a tough slate of early games.
Tonight the Coyotes play an away game at Moorpark at 5:00pm for Junior Varsity and 6:30pm for Varsity.
