Larry Chowen hopes his experience as
a player and knowledge as a coach will translate into a successful
program for the Panthers women’s volleyball team.
"In order to establish a winning program at this level you need two factors," said
Chowen. "You need to have players with reasonably good skills and a staff
to help develop those skills."
Chowen would like to have at least eight skilled players for the foundation of
his squad and looks for girls who play in competitive high school and club volleyball
programs.
"It wasn’t a difficult transition to go from coaching high school to
college," said Chowen. "I’m familiar with the progression of kids
at different ages when they play club volleyball. I understand the players’ growth
and how to operate a team with the personnel I’ve got."
Chowen coached the boys varsity at Long Beach Wilson from 1995-97 and assisted
on the girls varsity. He was there to help coach his daughter Teddi, who helped
guide the team to two straight Moore League championships and made it to the
CIF quarterfinals both years. At Cypress High Chowen coached the boys varsity
and junior varsity girls from 1997 to 1999. Cypress’ girls coach retired
and told Chowen could have his job but the principal went in another direction,
so Chowen left the school.
From 1999 to 2000 Chowen coached at East Los Angeles College. Compared to East
Los Angeles College, Chaffey College has a bigger and deeper pool of talented
players in the local area to recruit.
An ideal situation for Chowen would be for all 10 of his players to see some
action in a match, with no adjustment in the level of play. He wouldn’t
want to carry a woman on the team if she didn’t expect to see some playing
time. It will take the Panthers some time to slowly progress and spread the word
if they’re successful. He wants to add a couple of experienced players to
his program.
"The players can believe in my knowledge because I’ve been on the court," said
Chowen. "I’ve played at a high level and can relate to the skills needed
to be a winning program. I understand the difference between being a coach and
a player."
Because he coached both his daughters who earned Division I university scholarships,
Chowen said he could work with anyone.
Currently Chowen operates Club Beach in Long Beach which has three girls volleyball
teams. His philosophy is to give the girls good coaching which they may not receive
at larger volleyball clubs. Chowen wants his girls to learn to become better
volleyball players.
Born and raised in Long Beach, Chowen graduated from Long Beach Millkan High
in 1965 and ran track. He played volleyball for Long Beach City College in 1966-67
and joined the Marine Corps in 1968. Chowen played for Long Beach State in 1969-70
and helped the 49’ers to advance to a western regional championship and
eventually lost to UCLA in the NCAA finals in 1970.
From Long Beach State Chowen earned his bachelor of arts degree in physical education
in 1981. He’s currently attending Cal State Dominguez Hills to earn his
masters degree in physical education. At Chaffey College Chowen teaches volleyball
and weight lifting classes.
Chowen and his wife, Rosa have been married for 30 years, live in Long Beach
and have two daughters. Teddi, 22, recently graduated from Arkansas State, where
she played volleyball. She followed older sister Leslie, 26 who also played at
Arkansas State. Leslie currently teaches and coaches volleyball at Magnolia High
in Anaheim.
"I’m really proud of them," Chowen said about his daughters. "They’re
good players and they teach and coach physical education."
In his free time Chowen likes to water ski and snow ski. He played volleyball
for a men’s 45-50 team called Iron Mountain, which made the national playoffs
in 1997.
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Volleyball
