UI Volleyball underway with new coaching staff

The Idaho Vandals have named Romana Redondo Kriskova as their interim head coach for the 2024-25 season after previous volleyball coach Chris Gonzalez resigned amidst allegations of abuse in May.  

She was with the team last season as an assistant coach under Gonzalez but is still adjusting to the head coaching role. “We are still a new team, trying to put the pieces together,” she stated.  

So far, she has been very impressed with the team, saying that the players are working hard. “They did want to make a difference and as a coach this is something you want to see from your players,” she said. Since she had experience coaching the Vandals last year, Kriskova has already built relationships with the players. She said one of the most important aspects to the team is trust and “knowing they can rely on me, and I can rely on them.”  

So far, the Vandals have played preseason, out-of-state weekend tournaments with an 0-6 record. Kriskova is not worried, though, as the regular season has just begun. Everyone is getting an opportunity to play on the court, and they are still determining who will make the starting lineup.  

Kriskova believes teamwork is going to be the biggest strength for the team going forward. She is very excited to begin the regular season at home. Having traveled so much, they are looking forward to having family and friends in the stands, or as she calls it, “The Vandal Experience.” 

The team has also added Ben Kasun as their new assistant coach. This is his first year coaching at UI but he is very excited to work with the players and coaches.  

“It’s a very positive environment, I love the way the girls have come in and really worked hard,” he said. He also saw improvement with the team between the first and second weekend. They are still working some things out. “It’s a very young team.” 

One thing Kasun is looking forward to seeing this season is growth, whether personal, emotional or as a team. He is ready to see what this team looks like once they get into conference play.  

The Vandals will begin their Big Sky conference play at home in the Memorial Gymnasium on Thursday, Sept. 26. They will tip off at 6 p.m. against the Portland State Vikings, the first of eight home games they will have this season.  

You can reach Jackson Hamelund at [email protected]