2005 Season Preview - University of Kentucky Athletics
2005 Season Preview - University of Kentucky Athletics
2005 Season Preview - University of Kentucky Athletics
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K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
and become a program on the national scene."<br />
Prior to his move to Austin, Pulliza spent two<br />
years on the Wisconsin staff and helped the team<br />
to the 2000 Big Ten title and a spot in the<br />
NCAA title match against Nebraska. Seated on<br />
the bench opposite Pulliza was Skinner, who was<br />
in his first year as assistant coach for the<br />
Huskers. At Wisconsin, Pulliza coached All-<br />
America setter Lizzie Fitzgerald.<br />
Pulliza spent the 1998 season at Northern<br />
Illinois, where he assisted the Huskies to the<br />
Mid-American Conference Championship and<br />
Pulliza and his wife Jamie<br />
reside in Lexington with their<br />
dog, Zoey.<br />
the second round <strong>of</strong> the<br />
NCAA Tournament. Prior to<br />
his stint at NIU, he coached<br />
two years as an assistant at<br />
James Madison while pursuing<br />
his master's degree in administration<br />
and coaching.<br />
The 32-year-old Pulliza<br />
began his coaching career as an<br />
assistant coach at Burris High<br />
School in Muncie, Ind. Burris<br />
claimed two state titles and was<br />
named the national runner-up<br />
by USA Today in 1994.<br />
Pulliza has international<br />
coaching experience as well,<br />
serving as an assistant coach<br />
for the US National A2 Team<br />
in 2003 and the US Girls<br />
Youth National Team in 2000<br />
and 2001. The 2000 team claimed a silver medal<br />
at the NORCECA Zonal Championships. Pulliza<br />
is a 1996 graduate <strong>of</strong> Ball State with a degree<br />
in general studies and sports administration. He<br />
served as team captain for two seasons as Ball<br />
State advanced to the NCAA Final Four in both<br />
1994 and 1995. Pulliza also was a member <strong>of</strong><br />
BSU's Student-Athlete Advisory Board and<br />
earned dean's list honors in 1995-96.<br />
Pulliza and Skinner were teammates on the<br />
Cardinals' volleyball team for two seasons. Pulliza<br />
and his wife, Jamie, reside in Lexington.<br />
Personal<br />
Full Name: Robert Pulliza Garcia<br />
Birth Date: February 6, 1973<br />
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico<br />
High School: Academia Nuestra<br />
Senora de la Providencia<br />
College: Ball State<br />
Sport Played: Volleyball<br />
Years Lettered: 1994-96<br />
Degrees: Bachelor’s – General Studies<br />
and Sports Administration (1996)<br />
Master’s — <strong>Athletics</strong> Administration<br />
and Coaching (1998)<br />
Coaching and<br />
Playing Career<br />
1994-96<br />
Ball State<br />
Player<br />
1996-97<br />
James Madison<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
1998<br />
Northern Illinois<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
1999-2000<br />
Wisconsin<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
2001-04<br />
Texas<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
2004-Present<br />
<strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
Assistant Coach<br />
The Pulliza File<br />
Skinner on Pulliza:<br />
“Robby is one <strong>of</strong> the most experienced<br />
recruiters in the country. He brings a level <strong>of</strong><br />
experience, enthusiasm that will be contagious<br />
with our players, fans and recruits.”<br />
Fall <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball 41