Jose Olivo, originally from Venezuela, just loves Columbus, Indiana. It’s where he lives, works, is raising his four kids, and where he plans to stay. “It’s so peaceful and safe, and there’s also a diversity in culture.”
He also loves volleyball, having extensive experience as a player and coach.
When he got the opportunity to become head coach at the collegiate level for the sport he loves in the city he loves, there wasn’t even a question. Plus, he’s an IUPUC grad, earning his Bachelor of General Studies in 2013; he also holds a degree in industrial production from Universidad del Táchira in San Cristobal, capital of Táchira state in Venezuela.
Coach Olivo played volleyball in high school and college in Venezuela. He later became the assistant coach of both the women and men’s team at his alma mater Universidad del Táchira. He moved to the United State with the idea of continuing his education, and worked for Cummins in Nashville and Memphis before settling in Columbus in 2010.
He returned to coaching when his youngest daughter began to show interest in volleyball. He’s since coached at St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Central Middle and Columbus North High School. He also coached at Columbus Volleyball Academy, Hope Area Volleyball Club, and The Academy Volleyball Club.
“If there’s ever a weekend I’m home without a tournament or practice,” he says with a laugh, “I’m looking around wondering what to do!”
In anticipation of IUPUC’s inaugural volleyball season, Olivo has 12 committed players. Only one is a transfer student who will come in as a junior. The rest of his team are freshman!
“We are all starting this together, it’s all fresh,” he said, adding, “I see it as a real advantage, actually, to have a close-knit team that all started together.”
He said he has a solid couple of setters, a very strong group of pin hitters and middles, and a remarkable defense led by Alyvia Luce from Jeffersonville High School.
“We have a great roster! Even though it’s a little intimidating starting IUPUC’s first volleyball team, it’s really exciting, too!”