I started my University coaching career as a Graduate Assistant at Michigan State University. After one season, and the completion of my Master’s degree coursework, I was promoted to a full time Assistant Coach position. MSU competes in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference – NCAA Division 1. I learned a great deal in my two seasons as a Spartan. Many lessons that would serve me well as a Head Coach back in Canada.
From 1990-2001, I was the Head Women’s Coach at Malaspina University-College, now Vancouver Island University. I am very proud of taking a brand new Varsity program in the BC Colleges Athletic Association and building it into one of the top College programs in Canada that is still sustained today. In my eleven years as Head Coach, the team compiled an overall record of 166-26 in Conference matches, including three straight undefeated seasons, my final three years.
The program won six Conference Championships and three Nationals medals. I was recognized as the National College Coach of the Year three times by the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association, and six times Conference Coach of the Year by the BC Colleges Athletic Association. Of course, I also had the pleasure of having many of my athletes recognized with numerous Conference and National Awards.
As I am a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Vancouver Island University, I continue to stay close to the Women’s Volleyball program. The current Head Coach, Shane Hyde was my Assistant Coach in my final two seasons. I am very proud of his continued success with the Mariners program.
“My career as a student athlete at Vancouver Island University has been a rewarding and unforgettable experience. The Mariners volleyball team comes from a long line of success originating from the coaching expertise of Rick Bevis. Although Rick was not the head coach during my career at VIU he has taken time out of his busy teaching schedule to work with me individually. His knowledge of the game from a technical perspective sets him apart from any coach I have worked with and the way he can convey information in a clear and concise manner makes him such a valuable motivator for an athlete aspiring to reach the highest level of play. Rick shows a genuine compassion for the game and his ability to adapt to different learning styles and abilities makes him an excellent coach.”
In the fall of 2001, I took a sabbatical at the University of California, San Diego. I spent a wonderful season as a volunteer Assistant Coach with the Tritons. The team captured the California Colleges Athletic Association crown and ended the season as a NCAA – Division 2 National semi-finalist.
My fourteen seasons as a University Coach were indescribably rewarding. The training for a common goal, the opportunities to compete, the many life lessons and most significantly the many, many positive relationships with athletes and fellow coaches. All of these factors have been instrumental in shaping my career.