Feb. 25, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland volleyball head coach Tim Horsmon completed his coaching staff, announcing the hiring of former University of Dayton assistant Jason Oliver.

Oliver joins Tami Ores on Maryland's staff, both following Horsmon from the University of Dayton, and will train the Terps' attackers as well as aid in the program's recruiting efforts.

"The University of Maryland is a great institution with great student athletes. To have the opportunity to be a part of this coaching and academic community is great for my career," Oliver said. "I couldn't be more excited to be here with two great coaches in coach Horsmon and coach Ores. I expect to build on the tradition of this great program and want to work hard on winning more ACC championships."

Oliver spent the past three seasons at Dayton, primarily working with the Flyers' attackers. Dayton's attackers thrived under Oliver's tutelage, hitting over .250 the past two seasons and averaging over 2.6 blocks per game in the same span. Oliver helped train two Atlantic 10 players of the year, two A-10 rookies of the year, as well as 11 all-conference performers. The 2005 Flyers set school records in kills (2,143) and total attacks (5,523).

The Flyers ascended to new heights as a team during Oliver's stay, going 80-24 in three seasons, including three A-10 regular season championships and two A-10 Tournament titles. Last season, Dayton achieved a program best 33-2 record and a No. 12 national ranking.

"I am really excited that Jason is joining our Maryland staff," Horsmon said. "Jason has a tremendous amount of energy and is really passionate about coaching and volleyball. I think this staff has proven to be very formidable and is as good as any in the country."

Oliver assisted Horsmon in all aspects of the Dayton program, including coaching, technical development, scheduling, travel, community involvement and off-season training. Oliver also coached the Dayton Juniors club team all three years of his Dayton tenure.

Prior to Dayton, Oliver spent five seasons at West Virginia as the top assistant in charge of setters and recruiting. He has also served as an assistant coach with Towson University, California Lutheran and Marymount University.

As a collegian, Oliver was an all-league setter for George Mason University, leading the Patriots in assists and digs as a co-captain his senior year. He set school records with 99 assists in a match and 1,638 in a season. Before attending George Mason, Oliver was a two-time all-league setter at American River Community College in California, where he was team MVP and captain during each of his two seasons.

A native of Thousand Oaks, Calif., Oliver received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from George Mason in 1998 and a Masters of Science in Athletic Coaching Education from West Virginia in 2005.

-TERPS-