The future is bright for Lehman's volleyball programs, and Head Coach Daniel Skilins is expected to be vital in helping the team realize its potential.
Skilins’ love for volleyball dates back to his days at Monroe, where he funded his own team and became a player-coach. His dedication to that program enabled many of his players to go on to play volleyball at the Division I level.
Following his tenure at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York, Skilins continued his career as a successful beach volleyball player. He obtained Pro-Beach qualifier status on the AVP Pro Beach Tour. In California he also obtained his AAA status. While in California, he constructed and co-directed Club Performance Volleyball, a junior club for 150 teenagers ranging from ages 12-18 years of age. While still on the west coast, playing with all-americans and learning from some of the top Division I coaches, Skilins then logged on with Palos Veres Peninsula High School, where he became an Assistant Coach. In his 2nd season as assistant, the team advance to the semifinals in the state championship tournament.
From there, Skilins resumed his coaching career at Lincoln Memorial College, a Division II school in Tennessee. There, Skilins guided his team to a 21-15 finish and was pivotal in turning the team into a perennial winner. His duties at Tennessee included the training of setters and the coordination of the team's offense. Skilins departed from Tennessee a season later, but thanks to his fine tutelage from the season earlier, the team put together a tremendous season that included an appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
After his departure from Tennessee, Skilins became the Top Assistant Coach at Division I Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. During his tenure at Fordham, Skillins help lead the program to its best finish in seven seasons.
During the Lehman men's volleyball's 2008 campaign, Skilins helped the Lightning to a 15-8 overall record and a 7-7 conference mark. With a solid combination of seasoned veterans and aspiring new players, the men's volleyball program once again reached respectability and rocked the APEX, eventually advancing to the semifinal round of the 2008 CUNYAC men's volleyball tournament. With many players from that 2008 team returning, Coach Skilins will have the Lightning once again in the mix for conference supremacy.
Already Head Coach of the men’s volleyball team, Skilins will also hope to continue revamping the women’s volleyball program by utilizing his vast knowledge of recruiting, player development, and coaching. In 2007, the women's volleyball team went 5-4 in CUNY matches and earned a playoff berth. For the 2008 campaign, Skilins will hope to raise the bar and help the team increase its win total by building on the success of last season.
Skilins is a New York City Public School Teacher, and is single and resides in the Bronx.
