Mike Schall named new Carolina volleyball coach
Schall brings a wealth of teaching and leadership experience to his new role. Serving under Joe Sagula, who recently retired after 33 years at Carolina, Schall was involved in all aspects of the program, including the recruitment of two top 15 recruiting classes.
Mike Schall, who has been an integral part of North Carolina’s volleyball program for the last five years as an assistant coach, has been chosen to lead the team as its next head coach after a national search. The news was shared with the team Wednesday morning.
“Mike understands and embraces Carolina’s commitment to winning on and off the court, and his belief in developing both athletes and students makes him a terrific choice for this position,” Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham said. “He is a strong leader and knows how to recruit and develop talent and teams, which will be a huge benefit to the future of Carolina Volleyball.”
Schall brings a wealth of teaching and leadership experience to his new role. Serving under Joe Sagula, who recently retired after 33 years at Carolina, Schall was involved in all aspects of the program, including the recruitment of two top 15 recruiting classes.
Schall began his career as an assistant coach at Penn State, his alma mater, where he contributed to recruiting, practice planning, scouting and match preparation, and individual player development. During his 12-year tenure, the Nittany Lions advanced to the NCAA Final Four five times, won a national title – and then won four straight NCAA titles, with players Schall helped recruit, after he left his position.
He founded the Revolution Volleyball Club in Pennsylvania before moving to North Carolina to become Associate Director of the Triangle Volleyball Club in 2011. At Triangle, he worked as head coach for the top team in the club while developing and mentoring more than 90 coaches, serving as the primary recruiting contact for students, parents and college coaches, and developing relationships across North Carolina and the United States.
“It is an honor to be selected as the next head coach at The University of North Carolina,” Schall said. “When I began my coaching journey, I did not know where it would lead. I’ve been so fortunate throughout my career to work with remarkable young people and outstanding colleagues. In all points of my journey, I have done my best to serve the student-athletes in my care to help them see what is possible when we work hard, prepare well, and embrace the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
“I look forward to continuing the work we have started in building championship teams on a consistent basis at Carolina. I am grateful to Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz, Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham, Senior Associate AD Dwight Hollier and the Board of Trustees for their belief in me to be Carolina’s next head volleyball coach. Thank you also to our student-athletes and their families for their unwavering commitment to Carolina Volleyball throughout this process.”
Schall has served in various leadership positions throughout his career including his involvement in the NCAA Recruiting Task Force and the Junior Volleyball Recruiting Association. Along with his wife, Sarah, Schall has led overseas service trips to Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic through the non-profit organization, Courts for Kids.
The Schalls have four children: Annabelle, Sam, Andrew and Mia.
