Steve Aird Position: Assistant Coach Alma Mater: Penn State '00

Steve Aird joined the Cincinnati coaching staff in the summer of 2005, after a successful stint as an assistant coach at Auburn University.

At Cincinnati, Aird has a hand in all areas of the program, including serving as the Bearcats' recruiting coordinator. He will also be involved with the Bearcat camps, as well as scouting and player development.

Aird's first two years on the Bearcat staff have been successful, as he has aided UC in stretching its streak with 20 wins in a season to 12. He has worked closely the last two seasons with setter Noel Olson, coaching her to a second team All-BIG EAST accolade in 2006.

He has also made an impact on the Cincinnati club scene, serving as head coach of the Team Z 17's (2005) and 18's (2006), which annually ranks as one of the nation's top club teams. In 2005, Aird guided his squad to a third-place finish nationally, while leading the teams to a spot in Open Nationals both seasons.

During his career, Aird has spoken at various camps and clinics around the country. He was also the featured speaker at a clinic in Lithunania in Feb. 2006.

Aird spent three seasons at Auburn as a member of former Marquette coach Laura Farina's staff. At Auburn, Aird had responsibilities in all areas of the program, including budget, travel, training, recruiting and camps. During his tenure, the Tigers jumped from the 286th-ranked program nationally to as high as 77th in 2004.

Prior to his tenure at Auburn, Aird was an assistant at Davidson College in 2001. He also spent a year (2000) as a graduate assistant coach at his alma mater, Penn State, under legendary head coach Russ Rose.

As a player, the London, Ontario native was a two-time captain of the Nittany Lions men's team, helping the squad to three Final Four appearances. Aird also played with the Team Canada Volleyball Program, competing against national teams from across the globe. He earned a BA in sports management from Penn State in 2000.

The Steve Aird File

College: Penn State (BA in Letters, Arts and Sciences, 2000)

Year at Cincinnati: 2nd

Coaching experience: Penn State (2000), graduate assistant; Davidson (2001), assistant coach; Auburn (2002-04), assistant coach; Cincinnati (2005-present), assistant coach.

Playing experience: Penn State (1997-2000); Team Canada Volleyball (1995-97).