Don Gromala Signs Five-Year Extension to Lead Kent State Volleyball
3/18/2016 12:59:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
KENT, Ohio — Kent State University volleyball head coach Don Gromala has agreed to a five-year contract extension through the 2021 season, Kent State Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen announced on Friday.
"Don Gromala has led Kent State's volleyball program to new heights during his four years as head coach," Nielsen said. "While his team has had many accomplishments on the court, it's his integrity, leadership, and role as mentor to our student-athletes that is invaluable. This extension is evidence of the support we have for Coach Gromala and our women's volleyball program. We look forward to Don representing Kent State University for many years to come."
Gromala led Kent State to a 20-10 mark and the first Mid-American Conference East Division championship in program history during the 2015 season. The Golden Flashes won a record 13 conference matches and advanced to the semifinals of the MAC Tournament for the first time since 2007.
"I am very thankful for the opportunity and support from Joel Nielsen, Dr. Janet Kittell and President (Beverly) Warren as we continue to move the program forward," Gromala said. "It is an exciting time to be a part of the Kent State family, and we couldn't be more proud of what our student-athletes have accomplished on and off the court in our time here so far."
One of only three head coaches to lead Kent State to a 20-win season, Gromala has won 55 matches over his first four seasons at the helm, with his teams improving by at least three wins each season. The Flashes have posted a 37-24 record (.607) over the past two seasons.
Under Gromala's direction, Kent State players have received seven All-MAC honors, including a record five last season, one MAC All-Freshman Team selection and the program's first MAC Defensive Player of the Year recipient. His student-athletes have also excelled in the classroom. Kent State has received three consecutive ACVA Academic Team Awards for the first time in program history, and the team earned a department-best 3.639 term GPA in Spring 2015.
The Flashes return 11 letterwinners heading into the 2016 season, led by MAC Defensive Player of the Year Challen Geraghty and fellow All-MAC First Team selections Kelsey Bittinger and Katarina Kojic.
