Entering his fifth season at Nebraska, Craig Skinner has built a reputation as one of the top assistant coaches in the country.

Skinner's impact on the Huskers' success during the past four seasons is most evident in the accomplishments of NU's middle blockers, whom he has the responsibility of training and teaching. Three Nebraska middle blockers have combined for five AVCA All-America awards during Skinner's tenure, including Melissa Elmer (2003, second team), Amber Holmquist (2001 and 2002 first team, 2000 second team) and Jenny Kropp (2002, second team).

The Huskers have led the nation in blocks per game in three of the past four seasons. They averaged 4.15 in 2000, when Holmquist led the nation with 1.98 per game, and a school-record 4.18 in 2001, when Holmquist ranked second (1.81) and Jenny Kropp was third (1.73) nationally.

In 2002, the Huskers produced a national-best 3.79 blocks-per-game average. Under Skinner’s direction, Holmquist ranked second in the country with 2.01 blocks per game.

In 2003, despite losing two of their top three blockers from the previous year, the Huskers finished sixth in the country with 3.17 blocks per game. Elmer ranked sixth nationally in blocks per game (1.59) with the help of Skinner, who was promoted to head assistant coach in 2003

"Craig continues to set a new standard for training middle blockers, and I believe he is the best teacher for that position in the country," NU head coach John Cook said. "He has gained a great deal of respect nationally after helping our middle blockers produce five All-America awards in the last four years. I don’t think there is another program out there that comes close to that."

A dynamic recruiter, Skinner coordinates all of the Huskers' recruiting efforts. He also serves as the director of Nebraska's prestigious summer camps.

Before Nebraska
Skinner, 34, is a native of Muncie, Ind. He teamed with Cook at Wisconsin from 1994 to 1996, aiding the Badgers to a 68-35 record and three postseason appearances, including the 1996 NCAA regional semifinals.

Before arriving at Nebraska, Skinner, a graduate of Ball State, helped lead his alma mater’s men’s team to wins over three nationally ranked teams and an 8-4 record at midseason before leaving for Nebraska. BSU finished the season ranked 13th in the USA Today/AVCA Top 25.

Skinner joined the staff of Asics Munciana Volleyball Club in 1990. The highlight of his four-year stint came in 1992, when he helped guide the 18-and-under squad to a U.S. Volleyball Association national runner-up finish. Skinner’s coaching resume also includes working with the U.S. Junior Men’s National Team. Playing ExperienceA 1993 graduate of Ball State, Skinner was an outside attacker for the Cardinals from 1990 to 1993, helping BSU to a 28-11 record and a third-place finish at the 1990 NCAA Championships. The 1990 squad tied for first in the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association before winning the league tournament to advance to the national tournament. He was a team captain his final two seasons.

A two-time recipient of the Mid-American Conference Commissioner’s Award for Academic Excellence, Skinner ended his career with 414 digs, which ranked 13th in Ball State history at the time. He also ranked 13th with 54 career service aces, while his average of 2.14 kills per game is 16th on the school’s all-time list.

Skinner married Nebraska assistant soccer coach Megan Skinner (formerly Bechtold) on May 18, 2002. They have one daughter, Sophie Jane, who was born in November of 2003.