JAMESTOWN, N.D. (UJ) – University of Jamestown Athletics Director Sean Johnson announced that Riley Salmon, a member of the gold-winning US men’s volleyball team at the 2008 Olympics, has been named head coach of the Jimmie men’s volleyball team.

Salmon played in over 220 international matches as a libero/outside hitter and was a member of three Olympic teams (2004, 2008, 2012) during 11 season with Team USA.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Riley Salmon as the catalyst for our mens’ volleyball program,” said Johnson. “His rise from high school club volleyball to Olympic gold medalist and a successful career as a professional volleyball player is a testament to his work ethic, passion and will to succeed. He is dedicated to the development of student-athletes and is a great fit for our institution.”

Salmon, a native of Amarillo, Texas, played two seasons on the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Tour and enjoyed a 15-year professional career with various clubs in Europe.

“I’m extremely excited to bring the USA volleyball culture to such a unique university,” said Salmon. “We will approach the game in a very ‘blue collar way’. We will be putting our hard hats on and grabbing our lunch boxes in preparation to get better every day. I can see the University of Jamestown being an elite force in men’s volleyball in the near future.”

The program will begin play in the 2019-2020 academic year, but Salmon will concentrate on recruiting players this season. While not a full conference sport, there are three GPAC schools (Briar Cliff, Dordt, and Morningside) that currently offer it. At the present time, the team will compete as a NAIA championship level sport.