Coach Randy Syracuse joins East Coast Power with more than 40 years of coaching and playing experience. As a setter for Rutgers University, he led his team to the NCAA final four, and he later played professionally in Europe. Most recently he served as Technical Director for Synergy Volleyball, and his extensive resume includes coaching experience at the international, Division 1 college, club and high school level. His coaching resume includes stints at Canisius College, Niagara University and University of Buffalo as well as professional teams in Sweden and France. As a player, he has won three national titles in three countries. He won national titles as a professional player in Sweden and France. He also won the 2003 USAV Men’s National Championships in the 40-45 age division and was named MVP of the tournament. Most recently, he led his men’s team to the Pennsylvania Senior Games Championship! We are thrilled to have Coach Syracuse join us as a head coach and coordinator of practice planning so all ECP teams can benefit from his expertise.
Coaching Philosophy: At the juniors level it is necessary to train all players on all skills as much as possible Charge the players with being good teammates so their job is to make their teammates better by taking all aspects of training seriously, whether they are the focus of the exercise or simply assisting in the running of the drill, tossing, shagging etc.
Best Volleyball Moment: Toss up among several (I am old after all). 1) Gold Medal at Inaugural Empire State games while playing on a team with my older brother, winning the 1st of six gold and five silver medals. 2) Scholarship offer from Rutgers University 3) Offer to play in Europe 4) Beating Brian’s team at Regionals last year (Don’t tell him I said that.)
My Life in Sports: I was asked by a top tennis coach in Buffalo to try tennis at age 10. I played through high school. I was also a bowler (I grew up in Buffalo after all.) I played goalie in ice hockey for about 10 years. I didn’t start volleyball until I was a senior in high school, but once I started everything else fell by the wayside. It was love at first try. I have been trying to get it right ever since.
When I Am Not Coaching Volleyball: I am taking care my daughter Abby, 8, a 3rd-grader with a green belt in Taekwondo, as well as my wife who is a double cancer survivor, and undergoing her 10th and we hope final surgery this fall. Wish us luck. I also have a son, 26, and a daughter who is junior at Ithaca College rowing crew for them. I also work for HSBC bank. (I know, boring right? But…I get to work from home.)
Favorite Subject in School: You really have no idea how old I am do you? I never had a favorite subject, but I studied Spanish for 4 years but never really got it. When I moved overseas and learned Swedish and then French I started to understand English better, oddly enough.
Last Book Read: The Sicilian by Mario Puzo…
Favorite Movie: Galaxy Quest
Favorite Quote: “The NEXT point is the important one!!”
Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: I played in a bar league in Buffalo and Matt Anderson, current star of the US National Team, was on my team!