Hendricks heads to Barry U.

Courtesy of Barry Sports Information Department

MIAMI SHORES, Fla.—Former University of New Mexico assistant coach Steve Hendricks has been hired to take over the Barry University volleyball program, director of athletics Michael L. Covone announced on Friday.

Hendricks takes over from Frederico Santos who returns to his alma mater, North Carolina-Asheville, after three years at the helm. Hendricks joins the Bucs from the University of New Mexico where he spent five years as an assistant coach under head coach Jeff Nelson.

“I am very excited and honored to lead the Barry University volleyball program,” Hendricks said. “I would like to thank Mike Covone, Dr. Bridget Lyons, Dr. Darlene Kluka and the rest of the search committee for this opportunity.

“Barry University is an outstanding institution, committed to the NCAA Division II Life in the Balance initiative. The achievements of their student-athletes, both in the classroom and on the court, demonstrate the success of their student-first philosophy. I look forward to working with the strong young women already on the roster, recruiting additional talent to the city of Miami with its vibrant diversity and international flare and competing for more championships for the program.”

In addition to recruiting and on-court coaching responsibilities, Hendricks was responsible for scouting opponents, team travel and summer camps. While at UNM he helped lead the Lobos to two NCAA Tournament appearances, #12 national ranking in attendance, coached four AVCA All-Americans, one ESPN/CoSIDA Academic All-American and the team has received two AVCA Team Academic awards. He is heavily involved in the community including serving as a clinician for Special Olympics New Mexico, is a board member for the New Mexico Juniors Volleyball Club and has coached the age groups of 14’s, 15’s and 16’s. In 2009, the New Mexico Juniors 151 team advanced to the national championship tournament in Miami.

He also had stops at the University of San Francisco and Notre Dame. He helped lead the Dons to two of their best seasons on record in 2005 and 2006. While at South Bend, Hendricks helped guide the Irish to eight consecutive NCAA Tournament berths and seven Big East Conference championships. The Irish won seven NCAA Tournament matches, advancing to the Sweet 16 in 1997. His recruiting acumen was proven once again in 2002 when StudentSports.com rated the Notre Dame recruiting class No. 3 nationally.

In addition to his collegiate experience, Hendricks spent three years in the high school and junior ranks as the head volleyball coach and the Assistant Athletic Director at St. Ignatius College Prep. While in Illinois, Hendricks led the Celtic Force Volleyball Club’s 17’s to the 2004 USAV Junior Olympic Championship.

Hendricks graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in business education. He played four years for the Cardinals helping them to the NCAA Final Four in 1988, 1989, and 1990. He holds a M.S in sport psychology from the University of Tennessee and a M.S. in sport administration from New Mexico.

Hendricks inherits a team which went 16-7 overall, 11-5 and tied for second in the Sunshine State Conference in 2010. The Bucs advanced to the NCAA Regional Tournament for the first time since 2006, but return just three letter-winners. Barry opens the season Sept. 2-3 at the Valdosta State Tournament in Valdosta, Ga.