Courtesy of Lake Superior State Sports Information
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. -- Lake Superior State Director of Athletics Kris Dunbar has announced the hiring of Dave Schmidlin as the head coach of women's volleyball.
Schmidlin brings a wide array of coaching experience, previously serving as head coach of the men's and women's volleyball teams at NCAA Division II member Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C. Prior to his stint at Lees-McRae, Schmidlin served as head coach of the men's volleyball program at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, as well as a stint as the head coach of the NCAA Division I Oakland University women's volleyball team.
"Coach Schmidlin brings a wealth of experience to the LSSU volleyball program," said Dunbar. "His contacts throughout the state will help bring in talented student-athletes to move the program in a positive direction."
A native of Beverly Hills, Mich., Schmidlin began his coaching career as the assistant men's volleyball coach at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne, serving as the recruiting coordinator and the strength and conditioning coordinator for 10 years while also pursuing his undergraduate degree. The Mastodons posted a 153-100 record during Schmidlin's tenure at IPFW, earning three conference titles and advancing to the NCAA Tournament in 1994 and 1999.
Schmidlin also has a history of leading programs to success in the classroom as well, guiding his Cardinal Stritch squad to a 3.3 grade-point average over two seasons, with nine student-athletes earning all-conference academic honors. At Oakland, his team maintained a 3.3 GPA over the course of four seasons, with 25 Golden Grizzlies garnering all-conference academic recognition.
"I would like to thank President Pleger, Director of Athletics Kris Dunbar and the search committee for the incredible opportunity to lead the Lake Superior State volleyball program," stated Schmidlin. I look forward to getting to know the current players and start working together toward building a strong foundation for the program."
Schmidlin fills the void left by the departure of Mallory Larranaga following the 2016-17 season and a 3-51 record in two seasons at the helm of the Lakers.
"Speaking to other coaches in the GLIAC, there are good athletes here, so, I am looking to provide some stability and consistency for these young women," continued Schmidlin. "We will use the spring season to get to know each other, identify our strengths and weaknesses, and go from there."
Entering the 44th season of varsity volleyball at LSSU in the Fall of 2017, Schmidlin become's the program's eighth coach all-time.
