Orlando Gonzalez begins his first season as a member of the Kennesaw State women’s volleyball coaching staff in 2012. His primary responsibilities will include training and player development, video and statistical analysis, and assisting in recruiting and game strategy.
Gonzalez arrives on campus with 16 years of volleyball experience that includes head coaching stints at both the Division I and II levels.
“We are very fortunate to have Orlando join our staff," Weatherington said. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his previous head coaching positions at Rutgers and Michigan Tech. Orlando has an exceptional training philosophy that is right in line with my vision for the program.
“His high-level training background and strong Midwest and east coast volleyball ties will impact Kennesaw State as we continue to brand the institution across the country," Weatherington added.
Gonzalez spent the last three years as head coach at Michigan Tech where he guided the Huskies to just their second NCAA Division II Tournament appearance in a 15-year span following the 2009 season. That accomplishment led to a runner-up finish in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Coach of the Year voting.
Prior to taking the top position at Michigan Tech, Gonzalez was an assistant coach at Northwood University during the 2008 season where he helped guide the Seawolves to their first GLIAC title in eight years.
Gonzalez gained his first collegiate head coaching position in 2005 when he was named to the post at Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights’ best season during his three-year tenure as head coach came in 2005 when they went 11-16 and came within one victory of qualifying for the Big East Tournament.
Gonzalez began his coaching career in 1995 when he served as Master Coach and Regional Coordinator for USA Michigan Volleyball LLC, a position he held until 2004. He was the founding member of the first statewide age group development program for female athletes, and under his watch the team won several national tournaments.
A dual degree graduate from Michigan State in 2003, Gonzalez and his wife, Carrie, reside in Acworth with their two daughters, Makenzie and Graciela.
