Jason Cole, who compiled 78 wins as the Turlock High volleyball head coach and had other influences in Turlock, has been named top assistant coach for the women’s volleyball team at Dominican University of California in San Rafael, the NCAA Division II program announced Wednesday.

“I appreciate this opportunity and I am ready to help develop and establish a well-rounded team under the guidance of Coach Stammer,” Cole said, referring to head coach Gayle Stammer. “As we progress, all of our small accomplishments are going to become huge in highlighting individual success, as well as overall team development.”

Cole coached volleyball at Turlock, Colfax and Placer high schools. Since 2009, he has assisted with the Northern California Volleyball Club in Sacramento, USA High Performance Volleyball Program and at the Boys High Performance Camp in Tucson, Ariz.

In his first stint as a varsity coach at Turlock High, Cole not only won 78 matches but he also was named Central California Conference Coach of the Year in 2003.

He also was the founder, owner and operator of the Valli Girls Club in Turlock from 2005-08 and coached summer camps at Cal State Stanislaus and the University of Pacific in Stockton. He has officiated numerous elite college and high school volleyball matches, including the North Coast Section Division IV championship match at Marin Catholic High School in 2009.

“I am very pleased that Jason is joining the Penguins volleyball program,” said Stammer, the Dominican coach. “His coaching style and personality is a good fit for us and the direction we want to take this program.”

The Penguins began their 2011 season on Friday, with a four-team tournament at Cal State San Bernardino. They will wrap the tournament today with matches against the host team and Chico State.