BGSU's Van De Walle to retire

BGSU volleyball coach Denise Van De Walle

BGSU volleyball coach Denise Van De Walle announced Thursday that she will retire following the 2011 season.

Van De Walle has served as the head coach of the Falcons since 1983. In her 28-year career, she led BG to a 508-366 record, including a Mid-American Conference tournament title and NCAA berth in 1991.

Van De Walle was named MAC coach of the year in 1986, 1987, 1989, and 1992.

“The time is right for this change,” said Van De Walle, who will coach the Falcons next season, their first in the newly built Stroh Center said. “I have been blessed beyond words to have spent my entire 28-year Division I head coaching career at one place.

“Very few coaches get the opportunity to spend their entire career with one school.”