1 Splash:2-Media Info.qxp.qxd - University of Kentucky Athletics

Kentucky head volleyball coach Craig
Skinner thought he was destined to be
a numbers person. A 1993 graduate of Ball
State with a degree in accounting, Skinner
always had proficiency for figures – taking the
most out of what he had and profiting from it.
And while Skinner realized at a young age
that his calling was to work with and mentor
young student-athletes, his teams have posted
plenty of numbers to back up the success that
he has had in his coaching career.
In just two short years, he has been able to
infuse his attitude of positive reinforcement
combined with his ability to allow players to
realize their full potential. And the numbers
don’t lie.
Prior to Skinner’s arrival, the Kentucky volleyball
program had not experienced a winning
season in the previous five years and had not
made an NCAA Tournament appearance since
the 1993 season. Since that time, the Wildcats
have advanced to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments
for just the third time in school history
and the first in nearly 15 years.
“We’re excited about where we’ve come
from in two years as a staff,” Skinner said. “I
think this group of players that we have this
year is bound and determined to take this program
to new levels that we haven’t achieved in
a long time. This coaching staff is more motivated
than ever to take UK volleyball to new
heights.”
When Skinner arrived on the Kentucky
campus on Dec. 17, 2004 as the school’s sixth
head coach, he quickly returned an attitude of
confidence to the team. He was determined
that the program’s timeline for success was
immediate and he didn’t disappoint.
In just one short season in the Bluegrass,
Skinner returned the Wildcats to national
prominence with a 17-12 record and their first
appearance in the NCAA Tournament. For the
team’s accomplishments and quick turnaround,
Skinner was named the 2005 Southeastern
Conference Coach of the Year.
“In our first year at Kentucky, we build a
foundation of confidence in that our players
believed they could be successful,” Skinner
said. “We were successful because our players
bought into what we were trying to do. I think
The Skinner File
Full Name: John Craigin Skinner
Birth Date: June 4, 1970
Hometown: Muncie, Ind.
High School: Muncie Northside
College: Ball State
Sport Played: Volleyball
Years Lettered: 1990-93
Degree: Bachelor’s – Accounting (1993)
Family: Wife, Megan; Daughters, Sophie (3), Isabel (1)
Coaching Career
1990-93
Asics Munciana Volleyball Club - Club Coach
1994-96
University of Wisconsin - Assistant Coach
1999-2000
Ball State University (Men’s Team) -Assistant Coach
1999
U.S. Men’s Junior National Team - Assistant Coach
2000-04
University of Nebraska - Head Assistant Coach
2005
USA Junior National Team -Head Coach
2005-present
University of Kentucky - Head Coach
Skinner on Kentucky Volleyball...
“We expect to compete in every match and
have a chance to win with the way we play. Our
players will have a winning mentality. Our results
will stem from our work ethic and our commitment
to our philosophy.”
Skinner on Kentucky...
“One of the reasons I wanted to be at Kentucky
was the people. The people are what make the University
and what make the state. I just had a great gut
feeling on the interview that this is where I want to
start my head coaching career.”
C o a c h e s a n d S t a ff
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