May 1, 2003

LOGAN, Utah - Emerson Salonga, a volunteer assistant coach at the University of California this past season has been hired as an assistant coach at Utah State it was announced on Thursday by Aggie head coach Burt Fuller. Salonga replaces Cindy Willey who resigned to concentrate on her family.

Prior to his position at California, Salonga (pronounced Sa-Long-a) spent two years as the head coach of the Ygnacio Valley High School girl's team, and one season as the assistant coach of the boy's varsity team. He was also an assistant coach for the Golden Bear 18-Forefront Club team the past three years, as they qualified for the Junior National Championships in the 18 and under division each season. Salonga also helped coach the USA Volleyball Junior National Development Program in 2002.

"I am very excited to be a part of the Aggie family," said Salonga. "Working with Burt will definitely help me grow not only as a volleyball coach but as a student-athlete mentor as well. I can't wait to start training again."

Prior to moving to California, Salonga was an assistant coach for the Evanston (Illinois) High School boy's volleyball team that was a state finalist in 1999. From 1995-98, he was the head girl's volleyball coach at Centennial High School in Evanston, helping lead his team to regional championships in 1995 and 1996. Salonga was also the head coach of the University of Illinois women's club volleyball team from 1995-97.

"We're very excited to have Emerson join our staff," said Fuller. "In addition to his Pac-10 coaching experience he was also a coach with one of the top club programs in the country. He possess great upper-level coaching abilities and has tremendous enthusiasm. His knowledge of club volleyball will lend itself very well in recruiting."

Salonga attended the University of Illinois and earned a degree in leisure studies and sports and recreation management in 1995. As a member of the Illinois men's volleyball team, he helped the Illini to the 1994 Big Ten Conference championship.