Dr. Iradge Ahrabi-Fard (2002) - Hall of Fame

Dr. Iradge Ahrabi-Fard

Induction:
2002

Dr. Iradge Ahrabi-Fard has proven to be one of UNI’s most legendary coaches. He has been heavily involved with athletics and teaching throughout his career and not just at UNI.

In his native country of Iran, he served as Vice President of the sports Organization, President of the Institution of Sports from 1969-70, national men’s and women’s swimming coach for Iran from 1967-70, and Executive Director of the Physical Education Department of Sports, P.E. & Leisure Organization of Iran from 1967-68. In addition, he was the Special P.E. Tutor to the Crown Prince and three Princes of Iran from 1967-70, and 1976-78.

Since moving to the United States, he served as a USA Volleyball Consultant in 1997, the National Women’s Volleyball Team Advisor in the 1996 World University Games in Italy and also was the National Coach for USA Women’s Volleyball, competing in the Dominican Republic. He received state swimming Coach of the Year honors in 1966, and state Track and Field Coach of the year honors in 1981.

His career as head coach of UNI’s volleyball team began in 1981 and culminated in 2000 with 503 wins against just 142 losses. He recorded a 198-31 record in conference matches only. His teams made eight NCAA Tournament appearances. Ahrabi-Fard was a seven-time Gateway/Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year (1985, ’87, ’94, ’98, ’99, ’00) and also was a two-time District Coach of the Year (1985, ’99). In 1999, he was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National Coach of the Year. He also received the inaugural AVCA Excellence in Education Award in 1999. In 2000, he earned UNI’s College of Education Excellent Teaching Award.

Ahrabi-Fard has had numerous articles and books published on the coaching and teaching of volleyball. He graduated high school in Tehran, Iran in 1956. He received his bachelor’s degree from UNI in 1965 and his master’s in 1966. In 1975, Ahrabi-Fard went on to earn his doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota in physical education and educational administration. Ahrabi-Fard continued at UNI as a professor in the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services.