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WVBA Technical Director, Duane Storti

Duane Storti, PhD   T e c h n i c a l  D i r e c t o r             email: duane@wvba.org

I was fortunate enough to gain an excellent introduction to volleyball during my undergraduate years at Cornell University. In graduate school, I continued playing competitively but also became seriously involved in and discovered my passion for coaching.

After college, I accepted a position as professor in the mechanical engineering department at the University of Washington. I have been doing research and teaching at the UW ever since (give or take sabbatical leaves at University of Michigan and Georgia Tech).

During my entire time in Seattle, I have maintained a significant involvement with volleyball as player and/or coach. This avocation focused on physical activity provides an excellent counterpoint (and complementary instructional opportunity) to my daily activities that are more focused on intellectual activities and provides some of the balance that is so important in life.

Professional
Currently the Adjunct Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Washington. Also co-founded the Computational Design and Manufacturing Laboratory.

My recent focus has been on innovative mathematical foundations for geometric design which are well suited to interface with rapid manufacturing technology. Specific topics of study include implicit solid modeling, rapid prototyping, and geometry characterization using shape skeletons.

In my spare time I'm also maintaining a secondary research program relating to the dynamics of coupled nonlinear oscillators. Does anyone need a math tutor?

Personal
I am single and live in Seattle. When I'm not coaching you can find me reading obscure math books in coffee shops or road-tripping across the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

 		 
    Coaching Philosophy
    "My coaching philosophy is very simple: Facilitate success. Whether I am working with players or coaches, I look to work with highly motivated people and to do my best to help them achieve their goals."

    Education
    Ph. D., Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
    (Cornell University, 1984)
    M.S., Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
    (Cornell University, 1982)
    B.S., Applied and Engineering Physics
    (Cornell University, 1979)

    Coaching Certifications
    Impact Certified
    CAP Level II Certified

    Playing Experience
    Cornell Men's Volleyball Team
    Upstate (NY) Volleyball Club
    Puget Sound Volleyball Club
      (Men's Open team, not the jr club!)
    5 time USAV Open participant
      (including one top-10 finish)
    15 summers on the beach
      (including a top-10 finish at Seaside)

    Coaching Experience
    Cornell Women's VB
      (Asst Coach 5 yrs)
    Cornell Men's VB
      (Asst Coach 2 yrs)
    U of Washington Women's Club VB
      (Head Coach 2 yrs)
    U of Washington Varsity VB
      (Volunteer Asst 15 yrs)
    U of Michigan Varsity VB
      (statistician, 1 yr)
    U of Michigan Men's VB
      (Head Coach 1 yr)
    WVBA - volunteer coach/technical director/executive board, (7 yrs)

    Coaching Highlights
    My first tournament victory as a coach was at the world-renowned Great Dane Invitational. I was coaching the Cornell Men's Volleyball Team to their first Ivy League title!