BOCA RATON, Fla. – Steve Grotowski, assistant coach of the Florida Atlantic University beach volleyball team, has been tabbed AVCA Assistant Coach of the Year, as announced on Tuesday. This recognition marks the first national award for an FAU beach volleyball coach.
“I’m stunned! This is such an incredible honor to be recognized nationally for coaching,” said Steve Grotowski. “Thank you so much to Capri, the team, support staff, administration and our donors. There is no way I am able to do what I love without everyone’s help.”
As the acting coach in the Owls’ first ever appearance in the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship, the Owls won the opening round against (9) No. 8 Stanford, 3-0, which became the Owls’ first win at nationals in program history. The Owls ended the season in the Elite 8 and the national spotlight shone on the program. Grotowski has been instrumental in the Sandy Owls’ historic 23-12 season, which ended with a trip to the NCAA Tournament. In his eighth season, Grotowski has helped the team rank in the top 10 nationally for seven consecutive weeks, marking the highest ranking in program history.
The Owls achieved 23 wins this season, which is a program record, as well as 21 regular season victories, also a record. FAU has knocked off No. 5 LSU (3-2), No. 11 Georgia State (3-2), No. 15 FIU (5-0) and No. 18 Pepperdine (3-2), among others throughout the season. The program dominated in postseason awards, as Erica Brok/Mackenzie Morris won Conference USA Pair of the Year, Julie Honzovicova was tabbed Freshman of the Year and Capri Grotowski was recognized as Coach of the Year.
