Athletic Director Brian Clinard named Eric Garvey the Head Men’s Volleyball Coach on August 29th, 2024.
Garvey has spent his whole life in the volleyball world. As the son of a volleyball coach, he grew up in gyms, began playing, and developed a passion for coaching at an early age.
Before joining Spalding, Garvey spent 16 years as an Owner, Club Director, & Head Coach at Union Volleyball Club. During this time, Garvey learned to recruit, manage, and mentor a volleyball program with over 500 athletes.
From 2007 to 2016, Garvey also served as the Head Varsity Coach at Sacred Heart Academy. During his time, he was a two-time state runner-up, was ranked #1 nationally with two different teams, and finished in the top 50 nationally in all nine seasons. He had other high school coaching jobs at Saint Xavier HS, Mercy Academy, and Christian Academy.
Garvey began his coaching career as the Women’s Volleyball Student Manager & Graduate Assistant at the University of Louisville in 1998, where he spent three seasons, winning two conference championships and advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16.
Most recently, Garvey has coached at Kentucky Indiana Volleyball Club (KIVA), where he serves as Head Coach of Girls 18-1 Red & Boys 17-1 Red.
As a player, Garvey began at Saint Xavier HS on Kentucky’s first high school team & played club for KJVA. Garvey went on to play on the club team at the University of Kentucky under legendary coach Rob Holley. After college, Garvey continued to play competitively throughout the Midwest at the Open level in indoor, beach, and grass tennis. Playing in two AVP Qualifiers and winning multiple Open division beach and grass tournaments, including Marshall Madness, Chicago Luau, Derby Festival, Operation Brightside, among others.
Eric’s brother, Todd, is a D1 women’s coach, and his sister, Casey, was a High School All-American setter who played at Sanford University. Eric resides in Louisville with his wife Kaitlin and has four children: Annabelle, Brady, Cami, and Logan. He enjoys staying active in adult volleyball leagues, boating, snowboarding, and spending time with family and friends.
