The Bobcat Nation

SPOKANE -- David Gantt, former head women’s volleyball coach at both Montana State University and Oregon State University, was named the fifth head coach at Gonzaga University.

Gantt replaces Kip Yoshimura, who resigned December 4th after seven seasons at the helm.

“Everyone we spoke with had nothing but praise for Dave,” Roth said. “The more the process evolved, the more people we talked to, the more it became clear we were getting a highly-respected coach in Dave Gantt. Obviously, he has a Division I background and knows the area well.”

Gantt, who most recently was an adjunct professor at Montana State and a collegiate volleyball official, was the head volleyball coach at Montana State for nine seasons, from 1994-02, compiling a 159-96 record for a .624 winning percentage, including a 72-64 Big Sky Conference record for a .529 winning percentage.

“First of all, I am so excited and humbled,” stated Gantt. “It is a special situation where my experience and organization was able to override my absence from the game. The administration staff sees clearly that my plan is to get Gonzaga volleyball where we need it to be. I don’t think there would be a better fit for me personally. It is mutually beneficial that Gonzaga has gracefully allowed me this opportunity.”

Gantt previously served as head coach at Oregon State from 1991-93. During his two-year stint with the Beavers, Gantt led OSU to a 29-36 mark in the Pacific 10 Conference, which is considered one of the best volleyball leagues in the country.

Gantt will retain Abby Bennett, assistant coach for the Bulldogs the past two seasons and former player from 2000-03. He will begin an immediate search for his first assistant.