Membership
B.J. Hoeptner Evans
Manager, Media Relations and Publications
Phone: (719) 228-6800
E-Mail: bj.evans@usav.org
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 13, 2011) – U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team Head Coach Alan Knipe will be inducted into the Long Beach State athletic department’s Hall of Fame on Nov. 9 at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel & Executive Meeting Center.
Although Knipe (Huntington Beach, Calif.) was the Long Beach State men’s volleyball head coach for nine years before he took a leave of absence to coach the U.S. Men’s Team, he is being inducted into the Hall of Fame as player.
“It’s a huge honor to go in as a player,” said Knipe, 42. “It’s been a while since I was considered a player. Probably the best thing about it is that my kids only know me as a coach.”
Knipe played at LBSU from 1990-92, winning the NCAA Championship in 1991 and being named All-America in 1992. He helped the team get to the NCAA finals in 1990. Knipe started his career at outside hitter, but was moved to middle blocker for his second season.
“I thought from the very first time I spent time with the group of guys that it was a special group; very driven and welcoming,” Knipe said. “Some of those players are my best and closest friends to this day.”
Knipe will be joined in the Class of 2011 by current Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher Jered Weaver, softball player Meredith Cervenka, track and field athlete Le’Gretta Smith (Hinds), women’s basketball player Margaret Mohr, administrator Doug Robinson, men’s tennis player and coach Peter Smith, football player Mark Templeton, women’s volleyball player Cheryl Weaver and the 1989 Women’s Volleyball National Championship Team.
“I know my kids are super excited to meet Jered Weaver at the ceremony,” Knipe said.
For more information on the Long Beach State athletic department’s Hall of Fame ceremony, log on to http://longbeachstate.com or call (562) 985-4662.