U Of I Volleyball Coach Hambly Leaving For Stanford

University of Illinois head volleyball coach Kevin Hambly is leaving to take the same position at Stanford University. The announcement was made Monday morning. In eight seasons, he led Illinois to six NCAA regional appearances, and in 2011, took the Illini to the national title match – for the first time in school history.

"We look forward to identifying the next dynamic leader who will continue the program on its upward trajectory," said Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman. "We are excited to usher in a new championship era of Illinois Volleyball."

Hambly, a U of I graduate, says he's sad to be leaving the Urbana-Champaign campus.

"It certainly shaped who I am as a man and coach," he said. "Josh Whitman and (former interim athletic director) Paul Kowalczyk were incredible through all of this process and I am glad Josh is the leader of the Illini. Leaving his leadership is as difficult as leaving the players."

Before his time as head coach, Hambly spent three seasons as an assistant for the Illini, and two as a volunteer assistant. He's a native of Simi Valley, California.