Haines returns to Trent to coach
Rusty Haines has returned to the Trent Excalibur to take over as head coach of the women’s volleyball team, the university announced Thursday.
Haines brings 16 years coaching experience at the college, university and club level. He is a former head coach of the men’s volleyball program at Trent where he led the Excalibur to their first provincial championship and a top 10 national ranking in the OCAA.
“Trent Athletics is proud to welcome Rusty Haines as our head coach of the Excalibur varsity women’s volleyball program,” stated Deborah BrightBrundle, director of Trent Athletics. “He brings a strong knowledge of the sport, knowledge of the Excalibur and a tremendous philosophy focused on studentathlete development on the court and in the classroom.”
“I’m really excited to be back with Trent University and back in the OUA,” Haines stated in a Trent press release. “Trent has had a lot of success in the past and I’m looking forward to help build on that legacy.”
Haines started his career as an assistant with the Western Mustangs women’s program coaching from 1996 to 1999. After graduation he moved to Peterborough and took the helm of the men’s program at Fleming College before moving to Trent in 2007.
The Excalibur finished sixth of seven teams in the OUA East Division last season with a 2-17 record.
They start their season on the road Oct. 27 against Lakehead. Their first home game is Nov. 10 against the University of Toronto.