Kritza to Take Reigns of Tulane Volleyball Program

Liz Kritza

Former Green Wave standout Liz Kritza, who has served as assistant coach at her alma mater for the last six seasons, has been named head volleyball coach at Tulane University, Athletic Director Rick Dickson announced Thursday. Kritza becomes the seventh head coach in the history of the program.

Kritza, who played middle blocker at Tulane from 1995-98 and led Conference USA in blocks as a junior, has been involved with nearly every aspect of the program as an assistant coach over the last six seasons. During that time, she has served as recruiting coordinator while also coaching the middle blockers, designing serving and blocking schemes and coordinating practice schedules, team travel and scouting, as well as monitoring the team's budget and academic progress.

"I thought Liz did an excellent job throughout the interview process of casting herself in a different role, and it became evident to all that she was capable of leading the entire program," Dickson said. "She obviously has been a critical part of the success of the program to this point, and I believe she has many qualities that will enhance the growth of the volleyball program going forward."

Kritza, working alongside her predecessor, Betsy Becker, saw the Green Wave post back-to-back 20-win seasons in 2002 and 2003, while middle blocker Deva Fowler became the first Tulane player to earn All-America honors after the 2003 campaign. The Green Wave also placed a pair of players on the All-Conference USA first team for the first time in 2003 as C-USA Defensive Player of the Year Karlyn Daly joined Fowler on the unit. Last year, Tulane completed its fifth straight season with a .500 or better record, finishing with a 17-12 mark.

"I've always believed that Tulane University is a special place based on my experience here as a student-athlete and the six years I have spent coaching here," Kritza said. "Tulane offers tremendous opportunities for young people to achieve success on the court, in the classroom and most importantly, after graduation. I am honored to be appointed the new volleyball coach at my alma mater, and I look forward to continuing to build this program to the heights I am certain it can reach."

Kritza was selected after a nationwide search process headed by Maria Ochoa, Tulane Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator.

"As an alumna, Liz has a passion for Tulane University, as well as a passion for coaching volleyball, and that was very evident during the interview," Ochoa said. "Her familiarity with the program gives her a vision of where it needs to go and what it will take to get there, and she presented a specific plan to accomplish those goals."

Kritza, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo. and a 2000 graduate of Tulane in finance and cell biology, takes over for Becker, who resigned her coaching position after six seasons and has moved into a fundraising position with Tulane Athletics.