Snyder Resigns; Heading To University Of Mary

Eric Snyder led the Skyhawks to their first 20+ win season since 1997 and a 31-31 overall record in two seasons.

Snyder Resigns; Heading To University Of Mary

Easton, Mass. - Eric Snyder, the architect of the revival of the volleyball program at Stonehill College, has resigned to take a full-time head coaching position at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Brendan Sullivan has announced.

"We want to thank Eric for all he has done to revitalize our women's volleyball program and wish him nothing but success in his next position," said Sullivan.

In two seasons at the helm, Snyder was 31-31 with the Skyhawks, including leading them to a 21 win season in 2008 - their first 20+ win season since 1997.

"I would like to thank Stonehill College for the opportunity to be part of a valued tradition of athletic and academic excellence," said Snyder. "Our success in the classroom and on the court was due in large part to those players that valued hard work, determination and perseverance and I thank those young women for all they do for the women's volleyball program and Stonehill College. I hope they have learned as much from me as I have from them."

Stonehill also advanced to the Northeast-10 Conference Tournament for the first time in four years under Snyder and knocked off American International in the quarterfinal round before falling to eventual Elite Eight participant New Haven in the semifinals. Along the way, the Skyhawks had winning streaks of four, five and six matches.

Snyder inherited a team that had won five matches in 2006 and immediately doubled the team's win total in his first season.

With the wins came the accolades, as he guided freshman Michelle Thornhill (Canyon Lake, Calif.) to third-team All-Northeast-10 and All-Rookie team honors. In addition, he was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association's Thirty Under 30 Award List, an award that honors thirty of the up-and-coming coaches under 30 years old in volleyball in all levels of the game.  

A national search for Snyder's successor will begin immediately.