July 18, 2011
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico head volleyball coach Jeff Nelson recently announced the hiring of Ben Wallis as an assistant coach for the Lobos’ program. Wallis, who was the head coach of Cleveland High School from 2009-11, will be primarily responsible for scouting and will also assist with the recruiting efforts, camps and, of course, on-court coaching.
Wallis’ hire comes after former assistant Steve Hendricks accepted the head volleyball coaching position at Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla.
“I’m excited to join such a successful coaching staff and program,” Wallis said. “I know Jeff has had his teams finish third, third and second in conference play the last three years and I hope to help push them over the hump and bring home a conference title this year.”
The 32-year-old Wallis brings roughly a decade of coaching experience with him to UNM. He had stints as a freshman coach at El Paso Franklin High School, assistant at Rio Rancho High School, head coach at Gadsden High School and volunteer assistant New Mexico State.
“The thing that excited me about Ben was his energy,” Nelson said. “He just loves the sport. He has done a great job as a high school coach and did a great job at New Mexico State, so I’m just excited to bring him on board.”
Wallis is eager to finally get the chance to be a full-time volleyball coach. He isn’t afraid to let it be known that volleyball is what drives him.
“This is what I’m passionate about,” Wallis explained. “I eat, sleep and drink volleyball. I told Jeff that I wanted to be groomed and wanted to learn from such a successful head coach that has taken three different programs to the NCAA tournament.”
Wallis, 32, and his wife Leah have one son, 20-month-old Benjamin Christopher Wallis II.