TORONTO - The most decorated coach in the history of the Seneca Sting men's volleyball program is stepping down.
Shane Timms made the announcement to his team and administrators at year-end meetings Thursday night.
After eight years as head coach, one as an assistant coach and one as a student-athlete, Timms is looking forward to spending more time with his young family.
"I would like to take this opportunity first and foremost to thank the Athletics and Recreation Department at Seneca for all of their effort and support, not only of myself, but also my teams over the past several years. It has been a great honour to work alongside each and every member of the department to provide our student-athletes with the opportunities to experience success both on the court and in the classroom."
"I am forever indebted to the student-athletes I have had the privilege to coach in my time at Seneca. Their commitment to the volleyball programs here at Seneca has left me confident that the program will find continued success in the future. I have a great deal of gratitude for the commitment of my assistant coaches and therapists, and I thank them all for their time, efforts and support."
"My decision to leave my post as the head coach of the Seneca Sting men's volleyball program has not come easy, but I rest assured knowing that the program will find continued success for many years to come."
During his eight years as head coach, the Sting compiled a regular season record of 104-44 (.703) and an overall record of 115-55 (.676). The Sting captured an OCAA silver medal in each of Timms' first two seasons, advancing to the CCAA championship in his first season.
More important than wins and medals was his development of student-athletes, both as volleyball players and as young adults. The importance Timms placed on this development stemmed from his time as a member of the Sting men's volleyball team where he spent a year as an outside hitter.
Timms was also a mentor to young coaches. This was best exemplified during his four years as head coach of the women's volleyball team where he mentored current head coach Jessica Chiu. Following an OCAA east division championship and fifth place finish at the CCAA championship, Timms stepped aside for Chiu to take over coaching duties.
Timms will be missed within the Sting program as an ambassador, mentor and friend.
Jason Kerswill, Manager of Athletics, Recreation & Sports Centre Operations had high praise for Coach Timms.
"Shane has been a tremendous leader within our Sting family here at Seneca and will be greatly missed. His firm belief in guiding student-athlete development both on the court and off has earned him the respect of his fellow coaches, the staff and most importantly, his players. Our goal is to now build on the foundation that Shane has established."
A search for a new head coach has begun. The posting can be found at SenecaSting.ca/varsity/Inside_Athletics/Job_Postings
Source: Seneca College