Dec. 13, 2006
PRINCESS ANNE, MD -- Head Women's Volleyball Coach Alex Temkin resigned today from his post at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). Temkin leaves behind a Lady Hawk squad that finished tied for third place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) following a 19-win season.
"My family is in Massachusetts," Temkin said in an interview earlier today. "I have spent the last three years away from them while I was here and that has taken a toll on me," he added. Temkin's sister Lara resides in Massachusetts with her husband and two nieces, Noa and Marin. "My mother lives in New York City so I will be closer to her as well," he said.
Temkin, originally from California, played collegiate volleyball at the University of Massachusetts. He was a four-year starter for the Minutemen when he began his career in 1985. Since then he lived in the state until he moved to Salisbury, Md. to take the UMES post.
"I also have a desire to get my Master's Degree in coaching. Most new coaches hired in the top 100 teams have that degree," said Temkin. "There are a couple of schools in that area that offer a degree in coaching and I think I will find one that will give me that opportunity. While I am taking classes I plan to go back to work in the computer field."
Temkin previously held posts as a computer engineer in the area. "I have no coaching jobs lined-up," he added. "If I can be an assistant somewhere and work on my degree, great, but I am not leaving for another job."
Temkin had a successful three seasons with the Lady Hawks. The first year he compiled a 19-16 record, while going 8-2 in the MEAC. That season he guided UMES to the MEAC Championship before falling to nationally ranked Florida A & M in the conference championship match. That year Temkin lost many players to graduation including Jana Milin, a two-time MEAC player of the year. His second season was a rebuilding year, posting just five wins, but with a year under their belts Temkin's recruiting class posted another 19 win season in 2006 and tied for third overall in the conference.
Overall, Temkin's record stands at 78-85 but more impressive is his record against MEAC foes, an incredible 32-18. "I recruited to be successful in this conference and I think we have done that." Temkin added.
"We thank Coach Temkin for his hard work and efforts to improve this program. He has done a spectacular job," said Acting Director of Athletic Keith Davidson. "He has helped keep our program on the competitive level that we have come to enjoy. We really lose not just a coach, but also a valuable member of our Hawk Family. Coach Temkin pitched in with every event and every program. We are very sad to see him go but understand his desire to leave and be with his family," Davidson added.
Coach Temkin certainly leaves the program in great shape. "I am not taking anything away from Toby [Rens] (who was Temkin's predecessor), because the team was good when I arrived, but if you look at the squad, we graduated three this year and next year we will graduate one. Our line-up is built around sophomores and freshmen. A new coach can recruit for the future and not have to worry about getting marginal players to field a team, there is a great group of talented and wonderful young ladies returning."
That search for Temkin's replacement will begin immediately so a new coach can be brought on board and minimize the transition period before the new season starts. "The administration has asked me to help with the search before I leave," added Temkin. "I am flattered and honored by that, not many schools would do that, I think it shows I am leaving on a good note and not because of coaching performance."
"We expect no shortage of qualified candidates," said Davidson. "I am very interested to see the applicant pool and we will do our due diligence to find Alex's successor. We want to move as quickly as possible and hope to have our new volleyball coach in place when our young ladies return from winter break." The students' first day of class in the spring semester is January 29, 2007. "The new coach will have a solid foundation to build on, thanks to Coach Temkin," added Davidson.
"I want to thank Nelson Townsend for giving me this opportunity and Keith Davidson for working with me to enhance this program. I have really enjoyed my time here. I want to thank the staff that has helped me while I was here and for the great job they do with limited resources. I also thank the media who have done a wonderful job of covering UMES Volleyball and all sports here at UMES."
"I have made an new family here and they are one that I will miss, but I need to get back to my other family," Temkin said in closing.
