Thirty-five years at one place is a long, long run — especially in today’s world of college athletics with all the pressure and exposure that goes along with it. That’s how long Ohio State men’s volleyball head coach Pete Hanson has been directing and developing players in Columbus, and now that appears, is coming to an end.
Ohio State announced the retirement of Hanson per a release to the media today, followed by the below graphic on OSU men’s volleyball’s official Twitter account.
Hanson began his career in Columbus in 1985, won the national championship three times (2011, 16, and 17), and was named the national coach of the year four different times.
He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017 and will leave an indelible mark on OSU and the sport of volleyball for ages to come.
When asked about reflecting on his time, Hanson had much to say — namely thanking countless people that helped him along his journey.
“Reflecting back on the 35 years spent as head coach at Ohio State I would be remiss if I did not say ‘thank you’ to the many people who helped me not only begin my journey at Ohio State, but also provided support and guidance along the way,” Hanson said. “Thank you to Jim Jones, Jim Stone, Phyllis Bailey, Bill Myles, Andy Geiger, Michelle Willis, Chris Schneider, Janine Oman and most especially Gene Smith for his support of our program, as well as men’s collegiate volleyball. In addition, I’d like to express my gratitude to Tim Embaugh, Sean Byron and Kevin Burch, three of the best coaches that I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
“I would also like to say thank you to the many, many student-athletes that chose to enroll at Ohio State and become members of our volleyball program. The legacy of Ohio State volleyball was and has been built by all of those fine young men that wore the Scarlet and Gray. I am forever indebted to them, as they helped to ensure that Ohio State volleyball remained one of the most respected programs in the country.
“Lastly, I would like to thank my family — Marianne, John, and Phil — for their love and support of the many years that we’ve been a part of the Buckeye family. I will certainly miss Ohio State and the volleyball program, but I will never forget it.”
Current OSU Athletic Director Gene Smith also discussed the legacy Hanson leaves behind.
“Pete Hanson’s Buckeye career embodied our mantra of ‘The People. The Tradition. The Excellence,’ said Smith. “He’s found success on the court and molded young men off of it, preparing them for life after college. Pete leaves a lasting legacy at The Ohio State University.”
We wish Hanson well in his retirement and future endeavors, whatever those may be.
