EMAIL THIS PAGE

American Volleyball Names Silvia Panak Assistant Coach
Former Eagle standout returns to coach alma mater

April 9, 2002

New American assistant coach Silvia Panak shown here during her playing days as an Eagle.

WASHINGTON — American University has named Silvia Panak as an assistant coach with the women’s volleyball program. Panak, who graduated from American in 2000, will be involved in all aspects of the Eagles’ program, including recruiting, conditioning and player development. Panak replaces Arlisa Hagen, who left to become a member of the staff at the University of Florida.

“We are very happy to have Silvia back with us at American,” Head Coach Barry Goldberg said. “She brings a great amount of energy to our team environment. I believe Silvia can play an instrumental role in the court development of our players.”

Panak played for two seasons at American, and was named team MVP in 1999. She was also an American University Scholar-Athlete in 2000. Panak was named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association team in both of her seasons as an Eagle. Panak was ranked among the NCAA leaders in aces in both of her seasons at American. Before transferring to American, Panak played for Long Beach State and was a part of the undefeated 1998 NCAA Championship team.

“I’m really excited to come back to American,” Panak said. “Having played on a championship team, I know the mentality needed to win which I hope I can pass on to the team. American is a team moving up in the nation and I want to help them get to the next level.”

Panak joins a program that was the 2001 Patriot League Champions and played in the NCAA Tournament. Coach Goldberg has prepared a challenging schedule that includes seven top-25 teams. The American Volleyball Classic returns to Bender Arena with two top-20 teams and a showdown with Ivy League member Yale.

American University is in its inaugural year as a member of the Patriot League. The University, founded in 1893, fields a 19-sport Division I athletics program, featuring 10 women’s sports and nine for men.