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A San Jose, CA native, Coach Wanderer began a career in volleyball by becoming a member of the men’s volleyball team at San Jose State. In 1989, he began coaching at Independence High School (San Jose) where his teams vied for league championships and qualified for postseason play in each year he was there. Leaving high school volleyball for Division I volleyball, Wanderer accepted a position with the women’s team at San Jose State. While at San Jose State, Wanderer helped turn around a slumping program to back-to-back 20+ win seasons. In 1996, Wanderer moved to Fresno to assist the women’s team at Fresno State (a perennial top 30 program). While serving as an assistant, Fresno State went on to record the most wins (24) and the fewest loses (9) in a season. Fresno State also went on to enjoy three 20+ win seasons while Wanderer was there. On the club level, Coach Wanderer has enjoyed much success. He was the 18’s coach and later executive director of the South Valley Volleyball Club. Leaving South Valley, Wanderer began coaching the 18’s team with Team O’Neil (later becoming Team Mizuno). In 1995, Wanderer helped guide Team Mizuno to a 99-4 season and a National Championship. Since moving to Fresno, he has coached with Sports City, Fresno, and Central Cal Volleyball Clubs and continues to reach the National Championships regularly. Coach Wanderer remains involved in junior volleyball at the national level as well as club. Regionally, Coach Wanderer is the Head Coach for the Northern California High Performance Team – a team composed of some of the best athletes in Northern California and competes with the best teams representing other regions of the country and Europe. Wanderer is also currently serving as an assistant coach with the USA National Team Program. Wanderer has been an assistant with the USA High Performance Team, the US Junior National A2 Team, the US Youth National A3 Team. He has also worked USA Volleyball Developmental Camps since 2002.
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Q & A WITH COACH:Why did you come to West Hills? I would have to say it came down to three primary reasons. Firstly, West Hills presented an opportunity to develop a program that is all my own. I didn't’t have to follow in the footsteps of someone else. Second, I saw a college that was going somewhere. I saw a president that was an energetic and visionary leader. Lastly, I saw a college that was extremely supportive. The administration and the faculty were very friendly and supportive of not only the athletic teams but of the athletes as well. That is rare in college athletics. What was the transition like going from a successful Division I program to building a Junior College Program? That first season was perhaps the hardest season I ever experienced. It was hard to swallow. There were several matches that I didn’t even call a single time out, because I knew that it wouldn’t make a difference. What really kept me going was knowing that things would change. I had to keep everything in perspective. I had to stick to my vision. What’s your plan for the program? Our first priority is to recruit quality athletes. Treat them with dignity and respect. This is a first class program. We need to treat the athletes like first class people. What you put in is directly related to what you get out. What is it that you look for in an athlete? I look at many things: Attitude, heart, intensity, potential, overall skill, coachability, and have goals. There are many factors, but I would rather have a 5’5 player who plays hard than a 6’3 player that doesn’t. Skills are big factor, but I can train players. I look mostly for the fighter. What do you like most about being at West Hills? The people. Without a doubt the people make all the difference. Ivy covered buildings are nice to look at, but they’re not going to help you when struggling through a math class. The people here genuinely care about the students. How did you get started in coaching? A good friend of mine asked me to help him with his high school team. I was playing for San Jose State at the time, and he needed a JV coach. I took the job, loved being help to help the young athletes, and never looked back. What was your greatest thrill in volleyball? I’ve had many fond memories from coaching. Every team has a special place in my heart. I think perhaps the best time of my life was when our club team won the National Championship at the Junior Olympics and two days later my daughter was born. That was the best week of my life. Do you have any other goals? I want all of my players to become successful people. Successful in volleyball, of course, but also successful in their life’s ambitions. I think players can learn to be successful in life, by being successful on the court. My real rewards come from seeing players I’ve coached go on to become successful people.
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Assistant Coaches |
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Kevin Wilds Office: (559) 934-2765 |
Melinda Vierhus Office: (559) 934-2606
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Kevin Wilds joined the Falcon Volleyball staff in 2006. Coach Wilds began playing volleyball at Hanford High School in Hanford, CA as a defensive specialist. During his time there, Hanford High School enjoyed four stellar years of league domination and a trip to the Central Section championship match. Coach Wilds was known for his tough degensive style of play which gained him league recognition.
Coach Wilds’ primary duties include recruiting, on-court coaching, and match preparation. Coach Wilds also teaches Political Science at all three West Hills College campuses. Coach Wilds also coaches club in the Hanford/Lemoore area. He is married and has one child and currently resides in Lemoore. |
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Support Staff |
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Tomohiko Urakawa |
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