Two-Time Olympic Games Middle Hitter Joins H2 Saint Louis as Head Coach

St. Louis, Mo. — Rose Obunaga, a member of the Kenya National Volleyball Team at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games has joined the coaching staff of H2 Saint Louis  as head coach of its 17 Cardinal (Open) team for the 2011-2012 season.

Obunaga first made the Kenya National Team in the mid-90’s, and was named most valuable player at the 1997 and 1999 All-African Games.  Her first Olympic Games appearance was in 2000 in Sydney, and she competed again for Kenya at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.  She was a first team NJCAA All-American at Southwest Missouri State University-West Plains in 2002 and 2003, and in 2005 was chosen as an NAIA first team Nationals All-American at Columbia College in Missouri.

Since graduation in 2006, with a degree in business administration, Obunaga served as assistant coach at Columbia College, club coach in Columbia, Mo. and Evansville, Ill., graduate assistant at the University of Evansville, and presently coaches middle hitters at Washington University in Saint Louis.

“I love that fact that Rose lends a depth of knowledge to all of our players in that she is one of the few folks in town with big time, big game experience at the highest levels of volleyball,” said Assistant Club Director, Michael Loyd.  “She combines her ability with a heart as big as a lion.” 

“If I can help just one girl each year to reach her potential, and get the opportunities that I have been afforded, then my efforts will be worthwhile,” stated Obunaga.

“It’s very rare that a young athlete gets an opportunity to play for someone with this much talent and ability on the court, and such a humble spirit off the court.  H2 Saint Louis is extremely fortunate to have her with us this year,” said Loyd.”