Sam Ojie Joins Volleyball Staff

NORMAN, Okla. - Head volleyball coach Santiago Restrepo announced the hiring of Sam Ojie (pronounced O-jay) to the position of assistant coach on Wednesday. Ojie joins the Sooners after spending eight years as an assistant at Georgia (2006), Central Florida (2004-05) and Tulane (1999-2003). Additionally, Ojie brings strong playing experience after playing seven years of professional volleyball in Africa and Europe.

“We couldn't be more excited to have Sam join our staff,” head coach Santiago Restrepo said. “His background and professional experience make him one of the best recruiters internationally and one of the best evaluators of talent around. Our entire team is going to benefit from his overall knowledge and experience of the game.”

Ojie Bio | 2006 Year in Review

As an assistant on the Georgia staff last season Ojie worked mainly with the outside hitters. Under his direction, outside hitter Maria Taylor finished second among all SEC players with a 4.52 KPG average.

Prior to Georgia, Ojie spent two years with Central Florida which included a stint as interim head coach in 2004 as Golden Knight head coach Meg Colado was on maternity leave for all but two matches of the entire season. As the interim head coach Oije led two Central Florida players to All-Atlantic Sun honors.

Ojie began his coaching career with a five-year stint at Tulane. While an assistant for the Green Wave, Ojie led four hitters to All-Conference USA honors. In addition, the 2002 Green Wave squad collected 226 service aces, which were the most since 1992 for Tulane. The Green Wave averaged 15.33 kills per game with Ojie on staff and his team's hitting percentage increased 25 points during his time in Louisiana.

Before joining Tulane's staff, Ojie played for Hainaut Volley of Valenciennes, which is a professional club team in France, from 1996-99. Ojie led his Hainaut squad in 1998 to a Division III title thanks to his offensive and blocking skills. Suiting up for Mizuno Mallory in London from 1994-96, Ojie led his team to an undefeated record for two straight seasons. Ojie's pro career began as a player for the Ivory Coast Abidjan University Club Africa in 1992, where the local media recognized him as the team's most outstanding player.

Ojie, a native of Nigeria who is fluent in three languages, graduated from the Command Second School in 1985 and then earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Tulane University. Also while at Tulane, Ojie also received his associates degree in Applied Business.

“Santiago has done an incredible job with this program and I think the team's success last year will be a springboard for the future as Oklahoma continues to build a winning program,” Ojie said. “I have been so excited since I first met with the team and saw the passion and dedication they have for winning. It is incredible as a coach to be able to work with a group of women that have such desire and I can not wait to get started.”

Ojie replaces former Oklahoma assistant coach Steve Loeswick.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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