UA Fort Smith Athletics

Gary Preston Jr. begins his first season as assistant coach.

Prior to joining the UAFS coaching staff, Preston, who is from Northeast, Md., was assistant volleyball coach for the London (England) Orcas of the Super 8s Women’s Volleyball League for one season (2017-18). He served as recruiting coordinator, offensive coordinator, equipment manager and player in practice and was in charge of statistical and film analysis.

In his spare time while living in the United Kingdom, Preston Jr. was the head coach of the Westminster Volleyball Club Limited based in London and was in charge of teaching fundamentals and coordinating practice sessions and served as rotational coach and equipment manager.

Preston Jr. also coached the New York Juniors Volleyball Club for one season (2016-17) in the New York City and was in charge of practice and conducting specialty skills and performance camps and clinics. He provided mentorship to student-athletes and helped them with college applications and balancing the athletics-academics workload. He also served as travel coach and was in charge of statistical analysis.

He was assistant men’s volleyball coach for one season (2016-17) at Hunter College. He served as recruiting coordinator, offensive coordinator, equipment manager and player in practice. He was in charge of statistical analysis and provided mentorship to student-athletes, helping them with nutrition and fitness and balancing the athletics-academics workload.

That season, Hunter College was ranked in the Top 10 in NCAA Division III, posted an overall record of 28-7 with three wins versus Top 10 teams and posted an 8-0 conference record.

Preston Jr. is also an accomplished tennis player. He started his student-athlete career at Harford Community College. From 2005-2007 he became a NJCAA All-American along with earning regional honors. Years later while attending New Jersey City University, Preston Jr. was a tennis instructor in the New York City Metropolitan Area. For four years he had the honor of working with top international junior players, along with Top female players on the WTA tour.      

Preston Jr. is a 2015 graduate of New Jersey City University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Women’s Studies. He was a member of the men’s volleyball team (2012-14), and he was team captain for one season (2014) and received All-Conference honors. Preston is currently pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Sports and Exercise Psychology.