Jan. 4, 2005

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State volleyball coach Cathy George announced the hiring of Ron Arenz as her second assistant coach Tuesday. Arenz comes to Michigan State following three years at Western Michigan, where he served as an assistant with George. With the Broncos, Arenz's duties included developing team defense, statistics management and assisting with recruiting. He also worked with team travel, summer camps and daily administration.

"We're excited to have Ron join us on the staff," said George. "He brings a wealth of experience, and because we have worked together for three years, I really believe that our past relationship will serve Michigan State well. By having a staff that is familiar with each other, we have an opportunity to get right to the task at hand."

"It's an exciting time for this coaching staff to take on the challenges of the Big Ten," Arenz. "I'm excited to continue working with Cathy (George) and Russ (Carney)."

Arenz, a 1995 graduate of Long Beach State, worked as an assistant coach at the University of Denver in 2001, following a one-year stint as a volunteer assistant coach at Cal State Dominguez Hills. He also has created coaching development programs for the Amateur Athletic Foundation, and worked various collegiate camps.

A head and assistant coach at California Juniors Volleyball Club and Colorado Foothills Volleyball Club from 1998-2002, Arenz's teams won championships in the 18 and 16-under divisions of the 2001 Mikasa Kickoff Classic in Los Angeles as well as the regional championship in the Southern California Volleyball Association.

While at Western Michigan, Arenz worked with the Dead Frog Volleyball Club. His 2003 16-under team won the USAV Michiana Regional Tournament and finished fifth in the Asics Junior Nationals Championships. Arenz helped coach eight U.S. Junior Olympic All-America selections and one Junior National Team member.

A native of Cerritos, Calif., Arenz earned his master's degree in education from National University in 2002.