Pacific Index

Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: Sports

Chris Stanley is stepping away from coaching after 35 years.

Some say it takes decades to build a legacy, but what if it took less? What if it took only five years? Although retiring Pacific University volleyball coach Chris Stanley might be too humble to admit, he will without a doubt be leaving Pacific with just as much of a legacy than any coach preceding him, despite his short tenure.

In five years since Stanley's introduction to Pacific, he managed to transform one of the lowliest teams in the Northwest Conference to members of the highest echelon. With a crucial year of recruitment four seasons ago, Stanley created what was the beginning of a new era, forming a team that is now on par with the top tier teams in their competition.

After spending six seasons coaching the Portland State Vikings, Stanley moved to Forest Grove where he soon learned of a job opening as Pacific's head volleyball coach. The rest was history as the impact Stanley made on the organization was felt immediately as he guided a Boxer team who had won a combined 25 matches over the previous six seasons to 10 victories in his first season as coach, including upsets over conference powerhouses Pacific Lutheran, Whitworth and Puget Sound.

In 2007, Stanley guided the Boxers to some of the program's greatest successes. In an impressive 14-9 season, Pacific came within one match of an NCAA tournament berth. But after a heart-wrenching five-game loss to Linfield, the Boxers fell just short.

Now, as Stanley departs, he leaves behind a team ready for title contention, and with his enormous reputation preceding him, a respectable replacement can almost be expected. With a core of six seniors returning next season, Pacific could be primed to have one of its best seasons in decades.

"I have achieved the level I wanted to get to," said Stanley.

One of his main objectives was to change the program atmosphere to expect success, and with the Boxers' recent achievements it seems he has accomplished his goal.

"Next year's team could be the best ever," predicted Stanley.

What's left in store for Stanley? After 35 years of intensive coaching, it would seem that volleyball would be the last thing on his mind.

"I really reject the concept of retirement," said Stanley, who still plans to remain a supporter of Pacific and stay involved in the volleyball world, but not as a coach.

Often overlooked is the physically trying off-season recruitment process which can take a toll after decades of coaching.

"Coaching is a lot more demanding than it seems," said Stanley.

Now, with a substantial amount of time for himself, Stanley will have to look elsewhere to occupy the gap.

"I'm looking forward to being freed up for the next thing to come into my life," said Stanley.

Four years ago he took up Tai Chi as a form of rehabilitation and has since then advanced to a high proficiency. He also plans to spend time gardening in the fall as he continues to reside in Forest Grove.

But even with all his new free time, he knows, "there's more to life than hobbies."

He plans to finish the year being involved with the intramural program, which to little coincidence has also improved greatly since Stanley's involvement.

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