Derek "Dex" Schroeder comes to Saint Louis with a wealth of volleyball experience both as a coach and as a player. Schroeder began his volleyball career at the University of Windsor in 1993. Despite being recruited as a setter, Schroeder made the transition to middle blocker, where he enjoyed a successful four-year career. He then competed for the University of British Columbia from 1998-99, guiding his team to a No. 6 national ranking. The middle blocker earned top 10 national rankings in blocks per game, digs per game and hitting percentage. During his first foray into the collegiate coaching ranks as a head coach in 2000, Schroeder faced the formidable task of resurrecting the St. Clair College men's volleyball program after a 25-year hiatus. He led a squad with 11 freshmen walk-ons to a 3-12 record in his inaugural campaign. The next season his team finished 7-8. Schroeder's 2001 team also featured the conference leader in points per game and a first-team All-Conference selection. The Wheatley, Ontario, native moved on to the University of Mississippi in 2002 and was charged with helping first-year head coach Joe Getzin rebuild the Rebel women's volleyball program as a volunteer coach. He helped put the excitement back in the program as the Rebels improved their record and attendance nearly tripled. As an assistant with the women's team at Furman University from 2003-06, he worked with the middle blockers and outside hitters and served as the Paladins' recruiting coordinator. Three of Schroeder's recruits earned All-Conference first team accolades and one went on to become the Player of the Year in the Southern Conference in 2006. He also founded F.o.F.V., Friends of Furman Volleyball, the volleyball booster club. While an assistant at Furman, Schroeder also founded the Potential School of Volleyball (PSOV) in Greenville, S.C., a club volleyball program for kids ages 14-17. Schroeder graduated from the University of Windsor in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in human kinetics with an emphasis on sport management. He and his wife, Pam, reside in Arnold, Mo. |
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