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Wheaton Names Letourneau New Head Women's Volleyball Coach
NORTON, MA- Wheaton College Associate Director of Athletics
John Sutyak '00 has announced the hiring of
Craig Letourneau as head women's volleyball coach,
effective August 15, 2011. Letourneau replaces Ben
Read, who resigned after five seasons with the Lyons.
"We are very pleased to welcome Craig to the Wheaton athletics
family," said Sutyak. "His success in rebuilding the women's
volleyball programs at Rhode Island College and most recently at
Emerson College, as well as his strong work ethic and enthusiasm,
made him the right person to take Wheaton women's volleyball to the
next level and start competing for conference championships."
A veteran head coach at the Division III level for the past nine
years, Letourneau spent the last four at Emerson, where he guided
the Lions to an 89-38 record and a trip to their first NCAA
Tournament in 2009. Leading Emerson to a school record in
wins that fall at 30-7, he steered the Lions to their initial Great
Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) regular season and tournament
titles. The 2009 GNAC Coach of the Year, Letourneau also
coaches Emerson's men's volleyball program.
"I am beyond excited about this opportunity to make Wheaton
women's volleyball one of the top programs in New England," said
Letourneau. "Wheaton is a great school academically and
athletically and plays in one of the
best athletic conferences in the country. Hopefully
we can jump right in and attract student-athletes who
have a great passion for the game combined with the knowledge
that a great education is key to success in life."
Prior to his Emerson appointment, Letourneau was a part-time head
coach at Rhode Island College, his alma mater. From 2002-06,
he directed the Anchorwomen to an 86-75 mark, improving the team's
win total during each of his first four seasons. Rhode Island
College shared the Little East Conference (LEC) regular season
crown in 2004 and advanced to the league tournament title match in
2006, both program firsts. Letourneau also served as an
assistant women's basketball coach.
"I look forward to the season and developing a trust with the
current players while motivating them to work hard to improve their
skill and also their belief that they can win," added
Letourneau. "Having a competitive team exudes excitement on
campus and gathers a great fan base for matches."
Letourneau began his coaching career at the high school level,
working as the head boys' and girls' volleyball coach at Mount
Saint Charles Academy in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, for four
years. He led the boys to a state title in 2001 and the girls
to a state runner-up finish that same year. Letourneau was
named coach of the year five times, including on four occasions for
the girls. He also was a successful girls' basketball coach
for seven years at Lincoln High School, winning a state title in
2005.
Earning a bachelor's degree in psychology from Rhode Island
College, Letourneau is a 2000 graduate. A personal trainer
since May 2005, Letourneau has certifications from the American
Council on Exercise (ACE) and the Aerobics and Fitness Association
of America (AFAA).
