Meet the new coach of Sheridan’s men’s volleyball

Frank Pento, a former star of the Bruins, returns to take over for his mentor

STORY BY MICHAEL MELRO

After five very years of rehabilitation and consistency, Dave McAllister, head coach of Sheridan’s men’s volleyball team, handed the reigns over to one of his former star players, Frank Pento.

McAllister came to Sheridan in 2010, bringing with him more than two decades of coaching experience. He guided Sheridan back to playoff contention almost right away, reversing the fortune of the team after years of mediocrity.

Pento knows all about the legacy McAllister is leaving, being a big part of that success for three seasons. He hopes to continue that tradition.

“Coach McAllister brought a last-place team to second in his first year,” Pento said. “He changed the culture from being unsuccessful to always being competitive.”

When asked if he was looking in to coaching at the collegiate level already, Pento said, “No, I wouldn’t have taken a position like this anywhere else!”

“I had a great time here and I’ve followed the team the last two years. It’s a new experience for me but knowing the people here and having played with some of the players, it should make for an easy transition.”

McAllister had a hand in selecting his successor. “Dave put my name forward,” Pento said. “He trusted me. We have become good friends and I hope it’s a good fit.”

Pento was a very successful high school athlete at St. Paul’s Catholic Secondary School, where he played soccer, hockey and volleyball. When he came to the Sheridan Bruins, he focused on volleyball for five years, between 2008 and 2013.

“Frank was a confident player and when the team needed someone to make a big play he was never one to disappoint,” said Josh Butler, former teammate and current star of the Bruins volleyball team.

Former teammates never doubted the fact that Pento had the qualities to become a top coach.

“Frank was a strong leader on the court and a stronger leader off the court. He would do anything for the team to make sure everyone was happy with the sport and in life,” Butler said.

Pento, 26, is a relatively new face to the coaching game. He graduated from high school in 2007 and from that point on he was the assistant coach for Craig Vicars, at St. Paul’s.

As reported in Sheridan’s Celebrating Success section by Megan Tilley. In 2012, “Frank was like another coach on the court,” said Vicars. “Some of the things I remember; he’d come [early] before a practice and go on YouTube, showing me a play that he’d want to try with the team.  He would always show up, injured or not, he was always there.  He was very reliable.”

Pento was a great libero for the Bruins in his time, he was tasked with roaming the court and coming up with big digs, keeping the play alive and providing energy.

“One thing that I want to improve is the compete level,” Pento said. “Championship teams make big digs and big blocks when the game is on the line.”

Being the defensive mind he is, Pento feels they need to be able to handle adversity and transition defence to offense better.

Following McAllister will be no easy feat, but Pento is setting his sights high.

“Sheridan has a great tradition of winning in volleyball. We have the most championships in men’s OCAA history and I would love to see this team back on top.