Volleyball coach Zaundra Bina resigns
After 11 years of coaching at NDSU, Zaundra Bina resigned as the head volleyball coach Wednesday morning.
Director of women’s athletics Lynn Dorn accepted the resignation, which will take effect immediately, rather than continuing Bina’s coaching until June 30.
“ I recognize underlying fundamental, philosophical differences were not being resolved,” Dorn said in a press release. “It would be the best interest of coach Bina, our student athletes and Bison athletics to make a change.”
Bina was unavailable for comment.
The 2005 volleyball season ended in a 5-31 record, but was not a reason for the decision.
“ (I was) obligated to evaluate based on what would be best for the student athletes and the university athletics,” Dorn said.
She further stressed that Bina was not being fired.
After 11 years, Bina’s coaching philosophies veered from where Dorn saw the program going.
“ Change does occur over time,” Dorn said. “Situations change; coaches change.”
NDSU will begin a nationwide search immediately to fill the coaching void.
There are no apparent leads to fill the position.
“ We would like to have a coach on board that fits university standards as soon as possible,” Dorn said.
The program will not rush if a suitable coach cannot be found.
For now, Lisa Axel, assistant coach, will take over running winter workouts and has been named the point person.
There have been no projections as to Bina’s next position.
Off the court, there was undocumented tension between some of the athletes and Bina.
Five of the athletes from the 2005 roster won’t be active for the 2006 season.
Danielle Dahl has transferred to Concordia College and is looking to play hockey. Bethany Boelter has transferred to Minnesota State-Mankato.
Emily Luensmann is injured and will most likely take a medical redshirt.
Mary Blume and Lindsey Wegner will not be on the roster.
Dorn said reasons why some of the players will not be back are because of Bina’s evaluations of those players and their ability to contribute to a team.