Volleyball: Panthers hire new assistant

Pitt women’s volleyball coach Toby Rens announced the hiring of a new assistant coach, Dottie… Pitt women’s volleyball coach Toby Rens announced the hiring of a new assistant coach, Dottie Porch, on Tuesday.

Porch’s resumé includes a volleyball Hall of Fame induction at her alma mater, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, and some recent success as a coach.

“I’ve known Toby for a while now,” Porch said. “As someone who wants to head coach one day, Pitt is a great step in my career.”

Her most recent coaching stint was with George Mason University, where she worked as an assistant coach for four consecutive seasons. During her time there, the Patriots built a reputation as one of the best blocking teams in the country.

At George Mason, Porch was the only assistant coach which left her with a lot of responsibility.

“I think knowing the scouting reports and recruiting is important,” Porch said. “Those things will really help me here.”

With her tutelage, players like Kelsey Bohman climbed the ranks of the nation’s best blockers. Bohman was ranked 12th in the country in 2009.

Rens said he’s excited for Porch to join Pitt’s staff.

“I’ve always been impressed with Dottie’s eye for talent as a recruiter,” Rens said in a statement released by Pitt. “A very accomplished player, she is also passionate about what she does as a coach.”

Porch attended IPFW where she played both basketball and volleyball. After a college career full of All-American seasons, IPFW Female Athlete of the Year awards and All-Great Lakes Valley Conference honors, Porch was inducted into the IPFW Hall of Fame this past December.

Porch has played volleyball professionally in Turkey, Portugal, Italy and Finland. She gained experience as a coach at Indiana University and as the co-coach of the Indy Juniors Volleyball Club.

“Her strengths complement the program well, and we’re very excited to hit the ground running,” Rens said. “Dottie’s a terrific player who’s had some outstanding experiences. She’s lived the dream as a collegiate student-athelte and professional player. Her passion for the game will immediately impact our program.”

The Pitt women’s volleyball team finished 13-18 overall and lost to Marquette in the quarterfinals of last year’s Big East tournament.

For now, Porch’s goals are all about her players.

“Getting to know the girls on a personal level is important to me,” Porch said. “I want to get as much face time with them as I can get.”