The Stevens Institute of Technology volleyball programs have announced the hiring of Simon Loftus as assistant coach for both teams. Loftus will begin immediately with the men’s team for the winter/spring and join the women’s squad during their spring season.
“Simon will be an amazing addition to our staff,” said women’s head coach Glenn DeHaven. “His experience with the Scottish National Team and Team Britain will definitely make an immediate impact in the gym.”
Loftus, a native of Scotland, rejoins Stevens after a decorated coaching career in the United Kingdom over the past six years. He previously coached at Stevens back in 2003 as a men’s assistant.
“Stevens is highly fortunate to have Simon Loftus returning to our coaching squad and we are looking forward to his experience in shaping our young team,” stated men’s head coach Patrick Dorywalski.
He was most recently the head coach for the Senior Scottish Men’s National Team since 2009. While at the helm, Loftus led the national team to the 2012 Novotel Cup which was the first-ever international championship for Scotland.
During that same time, Loftus was an assistant coach for the Great Britain Olympic Team from 2009-12. His time with the Great Britain team was highlighted by the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games.
From 2007-12, he was the head coach for Leeds Metropolitan University for the men’s and women’s teams. Both programs competed within the British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS), which is the equivalent on the United States’ NCAA. Loftus guided both teams to a combined six BUCS national championships and five Volleyball England Student Cup Championships (club volleyball). His women’s team went undefeated for three years in all competition during that time.
Loftus also obtained head coaching experience from 2008-12 with Leeds Carnegie VC with both men’s and women’s teams as well. Each program progressed throughout his tenure with the club and each squad went on to claim the 2012 National Cup Championship.
Loftus holds FIVB Level III and Level II coaching qualifications and owns a master’s degree in coaching practice as well as a bachelor’s in recreational management.
