Hillcrest Rams Assistant Volleyball Coach Makes The Leap

Eli Valentin, an assistant girls' volleyball coach at Hillcrest High who helped lead the Rams to a state 4A championship last season, has been hired as an assistant coach at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C.

Valentin has spent the last two years at Hillcrest. Last year, in addition to its championship, the school won a school-record 53 matches. The Rams in 2010 finished the year ranked third in the state and made the state tournament semifinals.

“I am excited to join the Mountaineer staff this season,” Valentin said. “I have been a long time friend of the program and this is a dream come true to be working with an amazing coaching staff and representing the Black and Gold. The team has been extremely welcoming and I am ready to see this wonderful group put in the work and dedication necessary to be successful.”

While at Hillcrest, Valentin trained South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year and three-time all-state selection Kylie Haun. She set the school record for single-season and career kills, single-season digs, career digs and service aces.

He was responsible for practice planning, scheduling, serve receive training and all scouting reports while also mentoring all-state setter Ashton Lowder as she set the school record for career assists.

In addition to his work in the high school ranks, Valentin also served as the head coach for Carolina One Volleyball Club in Greenville. He was responsible for teaching all fundamental skills while also planning practices, scheduling matches and scouting opposing teams.

“Eli brings a ton of coaching experience with him from his time at Hillcrest High School where he helped them win a state title,” ASU head coach Matt Ginipro said. “He has the ability to coach any position on the court, but I know our defensive players and serve receive group will really benefit from having him in the gym.  On top of his coaching experience, Eli is very high energy and full of positive attitude, which I know our players will respond to immediately.”