Jacob Calai begins his first year as a graduate assistant for the Otterbein Volleyball program in the fall of 2024, helping oversee day-to-day operations and other administrative tasks.
Calai came to Westerville after nearly two full years as the coordinator of volleyball operations at Division I Miami (Ohio). While with the Redhawks, his duties included examining film to create scouting reports, signaling blocking assignments to front-row players, managing a database of statistics, utilizing volleymetrics to review game footage and employing the 3-point volleyball scoring system to determine passing, serving, and defensive effectiveness.
Â
Calai also ensured Miami was compliant with NCAA regulations, accounted for program spending, created in-depth itineraries for away trips, assisted with scheduling and legal agreements for competitions. He also planned community service opportunities for the team and worked to enhance team relations with surrounding high schools, specifically related to summer camps. Â
Prior to that, Calai interned with Miami during the 2021 season and then served as a volunteer assistant coach with Miami University’s Hamilton location - organizing drills for practices, implementing conditioning workouts and conducting weekly film review sessions. He also fundraised to help purchase new uniforms and practice equipment.
Calai is a 2022 graduate of Eastern Michigan University, earning a bachelor’s degree in sport management with minors in health education and communication. He was a member of EMU’s club volleyball team as an undergrad.
Â
