Poole Resigns As Arkansas Volleyball Coach

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Athletic Department has announced the resignation of Lady Razorback volleyball coach Chris Poole effective immediately. “I would like to thank Coach Poole for his service to the Razorbacks and his efforts in fostering our volleyball program,” Arkansas Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said. “He has guided our program from its inception and has established a solid foundation on which we can continue to build upon. We wish Chris and his family well as they begin a new chapter in their lives. “There comes a time in a program’s life when it is in the best interests of both the institution and a head coach to move forward in new directions. That time has arrived for the Arkansas volleyball program and for Coach Poole. As we move forward, first and foremost, our focus is on the student-athletes in our program and secondly, on the search for a new coach who will lead our program on and off the court. We have a strong commitment to volleyball at Arkansas and given that commitment, the national reputation of our University, the beauty of our state and region, and the national competitiveness of the Southeastern Conference, I am certain we will be able to attract an outstanding individual to lead our program and student-athletes.” Poole, a native of Heber Springs, Ark., began his tenure with the Lady Razorbacks in 1993 as the first head coach in the program’s history. He guided Arkansas to back-to-back post-season appearances in the NIVC in the program’s first two seasons in 1994 and 1995 before earning a trip to the then 48-team NCAA Tournament in 1996. “My time at Arkansas has been wonderful,” Poole said. “I said this was my dream job when I took it and I meant that. However, the time has come for me to pursue other challenges. I wish this program and the student-athletes on the team nothing but the best of luck and success both on the court and in their lives. I’ll always be a Razorback fan.” Poole led Arkansas to 11 post-season appearances, 11 Southeastern Conference Western Division titles, more than 300 wins and the 1997 SEC Tournament title. In addition, Poole coached two second-team and three honorable mention All-Americans, 25 all-district selections and 45 All-SEC selections. The national search for Poole’s replacement begins immediately. For more information about Arkansas volleyball, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.