The newest member of the Aquinas College Athletics community comes from Santa Cruz, California. He earned his Bachelor's Degree at the University of Santa Cruz and competed on the men's volleyball team for two seasons until he was hampered by injuries. He continued his involvement in the program at UC Santa Cruz as a volunteer coach, helping the team to a #2 ranking in the NCAA Division III polls. His collegiate coaching continued on the west coast at Cabrillo College, where he served as an assistant coach for two seasons. In the two seasons at Cabrillo College, the community college amassed an impressive 64-2 record, earning a state championship in 2013 and state runner-up in 2014.
"I am thrilled that Rick Schroeder is joining our coaching family here at Aquinas College," Bocian said. "He has a great passion for volleyball, and it just seemed like it was a great fit. I think our program will be in good hands with Rick."
During his coaching stints at UC Santa Cruz and Cabrillo College, Schroeder also started the Main Beach Volleyball Juniors Club that he directed and was a head coach from 2009-2015. The girl's program earned a Junior Olympic bid in 2014 and 2015. The boy's team received the same bid in 2015. Schroeder was instrumental in helping several of his players continue their education and playing career at the collegiate level.
"I am extremely honored and thrilled to lead the Aquinas College volleyball team," Schroeder said. "I have been given the opportunity to continue the strong tradition of the Aquinas College volleyball program. My goal is to consistently be a top contender in the WHAC and in the NAIA. I am very excited to start working with the team on this amazing journey and I can't wait to start."
Schroeder is also a Head/Master Coach of a national level team with the Michigan Volleyball Academy.
