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After coaching for the last 11 years in Hinsdale Central’s boys volleyball program, Alan McCloud has taken over as head coach, even if it is for a year.

McCloud, the program’s JV coach last season, has been named interim coach for the upcoming season since coach Kelly (Maley) Watson has decided to take next season off. Watson is due to give birth in a few months, but plans on returning for the 2014 seasons. Watson was an assistant coach for four years before completing her first season as head coach.

In Watson’s first season, the Red Devils finished 9-25 overall, 1-5 in the West Suburban Silver.

McCloud, 42, a native of Harvard, will continue to have former head coach Len Serwat by his side as an assistant coach.

“I’ve been talking with Maley to make sure we are on the same page,” McCloud said.

Don’t expect too many changes within the program with McCloud. Watson brought in some of her own ideas last season as a former basketball and volleyball star at Lyons, who went on to play college volleyball at Miami, Ohio.

McCloud did not get to play volleyball in high school during the 1980s since it was not offered, but started playing in an intramural program at DePauw University and then in graduate school at Michigan State.

When he arrived at Hinsdale Central as a science teacher, McCloud began coaching freshman boys volleyball in 2000. He has taken a few years off along the way due to the birth of his two sons, but McCloud has always remained close to the program. He has also served as an assistant coach in the girls program.

“I’m excited about just being the face of the program for a year,” McCloud said. “It’s a public position, certainly.”

The Devils’ top returning player, senior outside hitter David Whinery, is in McCloud’s class and has indicated that he plans on returning. Whinery was the top golfer for Hinsdale Central’s Class 3A state championship team in the fall.

McCloud’s wife, Alisha, also teaches at Hinsdale Central in the foreign language department.