Women's Volleyball
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
- Email:
- mpassare@kent.edu
- Phone:
- 330-672-8446
Mike Passarelli completed his third season on the bench for his alma mater after joining head coach Don Gromala's staff as a volunteer assistant prior to the 2014 season. He primarily oversees Kent State’s middle blockers and coordinates blocking while also being in charge of scouting reports, camps and assisting in recruiting.
After serving as interim assistant coach during Kent State’s historic 2015 campaign that was highlighted by the program’s first Mid-American Conference East Division title, Passarelli was elevated to assistant coach in January 2016.
Passarelli’s impact on the program was felt immediately, as the Golden Flashes jumped 49 spots in the RPI in 2014 and then another 68 spots in 2015 for their first top-100 finish since 2007.
He has mentored All-MAC honorees Liz Reikow and Bridget Wilhelm, who both completed their careers among the top 10 in program history in total blocks and hitting percentage. Passarelli also played a key role in the development of middle blocker Drew Norberg, who ranks 5th all-time in hitting percentage.
He previously served as a student assistant during his time as an undergrad from 2004-07.
Prior to his return to Kent State, Passarelli served as an assistant coach at Hiram College from 2010-13. The Terriers enjoyed much success with Passarelli on the bench and went 99-37 record over the four-year span. He helped Hiram to a share of the North Coast Athletic Conference regular season championship, ending Wittenberg's NCAC record 67-match conference winning streak in the process. The Terriers won 27 matches the following season and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament following a first round victory over Stevenson (Md.) University.
He has vast coaching experience at many levels, ranging from his time as a student assistant at Kent State to assistant head coach at the high school level and several coaching stints with various club teams, including his most recent position as head coach of the AVC 18 National Club Team. This past summer, he was an assistant coach with the AVC 17 National Club Team that won the AAU Open Division national championship.
A 2008 graduate of Kent State University, Passarelli was heavily involved in the sport during his time as a student. In addition to being a student assistant with the varsity women's team, he played, coached and helped organize the men's club team. A two-time first-team Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) award winner, Passarelli was also named Offensive Player of the Year in 2008.
Passarelli earned a degree in exercise science from Kent State and currently resides in Tallmadge.
