Phil Abiad Position: Assistant Coach Experience: 8th Year Alma Mater: Cleveland State, '90

During his 10 seasons as an assistant volleyball coach at Cleveland State, Phil Abiad has become one of the top assistants in the league with his passion for the game and tireless work ethic.

This year, Abiad is beginning his fifth season as a full-time member of the staff after serving as a volunteer assisistant coach for the previous five seasons (1999-2003).

During his four years as a full time coach, Abiad has aided in the Vikings posting a combined 76-41 (.650) record, including last season's Horizon League Championship and NCAA Championship bid.

In addition, he has played an instrumental role in the Vikings earning four consecutive berths in the Horizon League semifinals, including an appearance in the 2004 league championship match.

Abiad's duties include acting as the recruiting and video coordinator, assisting with the preparation of scouting reports, directing the scout team to aid in the Vikings' pre-match preparation and assisting with summer camps.

"Phil has a great passion for the game of volleyball," CSU head coach Chuck Voss said. "His knowledge and commitment to Cleveland State and our volleyball team are off the charts. He is a big reason that we have been able to enjoy success over the last several years."

A native of Lebanon, Abiad is an avid indoor and beach player. He played club volleyball in Europe and has refereed high school volleyball in the area.

A 1990 graduate of Cleveland State, Abiad holds a degree in marketing. While a student at CSU, he played on the men's club volleyball team.

In high school, he played soccer, basketball, water polo and tennis.

Abiad resides in North Royalton with his wife, Kate Peterson Abiad, the head women's basketball coach at Cleveland State.