Dec. 1, 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of South Carolina announced today that Ben Somera, head women’s volleyball coach, has resigned from his position, effective immediately.

In four years, Somera posted a 56-63 record overall, including a 28-52 in Southeastern Conference play. He followed a 14-15 inaugural year in 2007 with a 21-9 campaign in 2008, leading the Gamecocks to a fifth-place showing in the SEC. That 20-win season was the first since the 2002 campaign for South Carolina.

Somera spent two years as associate head coach at South Carolina before taking over the head role from his wife, Nancy. In Somera’s six years on staff, the Gamecocks posted an 84-94 mark, defeating each of the SEC teams at least once during his tenure.

“Ben Somera has been an important part of the Carolina Athletics family for several years, and we appreciate his commitment and service to the program,” stated Eric Hyman, director of athletics.

A national search has been launched to find a successor for a program that has been to seven NCAA tournaments in its 38-year history.