2005 Season Preview - University of Kentucky Athletics

K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l
and become a program on the national scene."
Prior to his move to Austin, Pulliza spent two
years on the Wisconsin staff and helped the team
to the 2000 Big Ten title and a spot in the
NCAA title match against Nebraska. Seated on
the bench opposite Pulliza was Skinner, who was
in his first year as assistant coach for the
Huskers. At Wisconsin, Pulliza coached All-
America setter Lizzie Fitzgerald.
Pulliza spent the 1998 season at Northern
Illinois, where he assisted the Huskies to the
Mid-American Conference Championship and
Pulliza and his wife Jamie
reside in Lexington with their
dog, Zoey.
the second round of the
NCAA Tournament. Prior to
his stint at NIU, he coached
two years as an assistant at
James Madison while pursuing
his master's degree in administration
and coaching.
The 32-year-old Pulliza
began his coaching career as an
assistant coach at Burris High
School in Muncie, Ind. Burris
claimed two state titles and was
named the national runner-up
by USA Today in 1994.
Pulliza has international
coaching experience as well,
serving as an assistant coach
for the US National A2 Team
in 2003 and the US Girls
Youth National Team in 2000
and 2001. The 2000 team claimed a silver medal
at the NORCECA Zonal Championships. Pulliza
is a 1996 graduate of Ball State with a degree
in general studies and sports administration. He
served as team captain for two seasons as Ball
State advanced to the NCAA Final Four in both
1994 and 1995. Pulliza also was a member of
BSU's Student-Athlete Advisory Board and
earned dean's list honors in 1995-96.
Pulliza and Skinner were teammates on the
Cardinals' volleyball team for two seasons. Pulliza
and his wife, Jamie, reside in Lexington.
Personal
Full Name: Robert Pulliza Garcia
Birth Date: February 6, 1973
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
High School: Academia Nuestra
Senora de la Providencia
College: Ball State
Sport Played: Volleyball
Years Lettered: 1994-96
Degrees: Bachelor’s – General Studies
and Sports Administration (1996)
Master’s — Athletics Administration
and Coaching (1998)
Coaching and
Playing Career
1994-96
Ball State
Player
1996-97
James Madison
Assistant Coach
1998
Northern Illinois
Assistant Coach
1999-2000
Wisconsin
Assistant Coach
2001-04
Texas
Assistant Coach
2004-Present
Kentucky
Assistant Coach
The Pulliza File
Skinner on Pulliza:
“Robby is one of the most experienced
recruiters in the country. He brings a level of
experience, enthusiasm that will be contagious
with our players, fans and recruits.”
Fall 2005 Kentucky Volleyball 41