NOTRE DAME, Ind.. – Head volleyball coach Salima Rockwell announced the addition of Craig Dyer to her coaching staff Monday morning. Dyer brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Notre Dame, spending the past four seasons at Creighton, with previous stops at Penn State, Pittsburgh, Marquette, Seton Hall and Rutgers.
“I cannot express my level of excitement in welcoming Craig Dyer to the Notre Dame Volleyball family as our Associate Head Coach.” Rockwell said, “There are few coaches who possess strengths in all aspects of the job, but Craig is one of those few. He is an excellent trainer and he is phenomenal in the gym. He has a brilliant mind for the game which makes him an expert in scouting opponents, and he has established himself as one of the best recruiters in the country. Craig is one of the most respected volleyball coaches in the nation – from his peers, to club coaches and directors, to all of the athletes who he has had contact with and coached.”
“I am honored for the opportunity to join Salima and her coaching staff at Notre Dame.” Dyer said, “I have known her for almost 20 years and I cannot think of a better person and coach to lead this program, and I am so excited to be a part of it. After visiting campus and speaking with administration and athletics department staff, it is clear to me their support and commitment to the volleyball program. I am looking forward to getting started in South Bend to help bring the Irish back into the conference and national spotlight.”
The Bluejays accumulated nearly 100 wins, four-consecutive NCAA appearances, four BIG EAST regular season championships and won the BIG EAST Tournament in three of four seasons with Dyer on the bench. He’s worked with several All-Americans during his time at Creighton and was part of the 2019 BIG EAST Coaching Staff of the Year. He worked directly with an Honorable Mention All-American who twice led the conference in assists per set, and was named the AVCA East Region Player of the Year.
“Craig comes to Notre Dame with a wealth of coaching experience and success at the highest level.” Rockwell continued, “He has trained numerous men’s and women’s All-Americans, many athletes who have gone on to play professionally around the world and several Olympians. He coached in three NCAA National Semifinals, including winning the title in 2008 with the Penn State men.”
Prior to Creighton, Dyer spent two seasons at Penn State, helping the Nittany Lions earn a record of 57-12 and a share of the Big Ten title in 2017. He trained a pair of All-American outside hitters in 2017, including the Big Ten Player of the Year, Simone Lee. Prior to his time at Penn State, he worked at Pittsburgh as an assistant and associate head coach from 2013-16 where he was voted among the Top 10 women’s assistant coaches in the collegiate game by VolleyballMag.com. Before mentoring three All-Americans at Marquette from 2009-12, Dyer overlapped with Rockwell at Penn State during the 2006-2009 seasons where he helped the Nittany Lions men’s team to an NCAA National Championship in 2008.
“We worked together at Penn State and I know he understands what it takes to win, and is also a true and loyal friend.” Stated Rockwell, “I have been close with Craig, his wife Jen, who is also in the volleyball world, and their two boys for many years and they are going to be the perfect addition to the family atmosphere that we are creating. There is no one else I would choose to work by my side in this journey at Notre Dame and I can’t wait for us to get started.”
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