Let's get inside a national champion coach's head. Coach Radu Petrus is the head coach of the men's volleyball team at SUNY New Paltz. Over his 15 years coaching the Hawks he has compiled a record of 325 wins and 134 losses, was named the AVCA Coach of the Year twice, and has brought home two Division III National Championships. Safe to say Coach Petrus knows how to win games and has a great eye for talent. Here is some insight into how he sees the recruiting process.
Can you describe what it's like to win a national championship at the collegiate level?
To win the national championship is a dream for our sport program. It's a special moment that everyone will remember for the rest of our lives. I'm very happy for my players.
With winning a national championship comes a lot of attention. Did you notice an influx of recruits wanting to go to SUNY New Paltz after each of your championships?
Yes, there's a lot of influx in recruits now and after winning the national championship. We have more of a chance to bring in more competitive prospective student athletes and keep our level high and on top of Division III.
Related: Daily Grind of a SUNY Volleyball Player
Did COVID affect recruiting after your 2019 National Championship?
COVID affected all aspects of volleyball including the high school and club volleyball players. They couldn't compare or practice and I'm seeing the level of volleyball drop during this time. As a coach it was difficult to recruit the students. We couldn't watch them live at tournaments. Also, when they came to visit, we couldn't go into the buildings. It was a tradition for them to come visit our gyms and offices so we had to meet our recruits outside the university. It was difficult for players, coaches, and parents. Hopefully now it'll be better.
Is a highlight video necessary?
Yes. It's very important because it brings [recruits] to my attention. We add them to our database and follow them at their competitions and tournaments. Also, we contact the coaches of their high school or club. If we have some former New Paltz players that know them, we ask them if they've watched them during their games and what their level of play is. After that the recruiting process goes forward.
Related: Endicott Women's Volleyball Coach Tim Bryam Offers Recruiting Advice
What do you like to see in a highlight video?
When they send us the video they have to introduce themself. The most important thing is their vertical jump for front row players and for other positions it's their serve-receive. Everyone has to jump, if they jump higher, they'll be better players.
What characteristics do you like to see in a recruit?
When they come to visit us, I recommend them to watch our games. They have to check if their skill matches our level of play. It's also important that their academics match with our school. Then they can say if they match the physical and technical ability with our program.
What is the best advice you can offer a recruit that wants to play for you?
Research ahead of time is important. The recruit has to make sure that their academics and level of play match the school.
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* Originally published on April 20, 2022, by Grant Osborne
