NYU men's assistant volleyball coach, and one of the leading voices on the UAA Staff Mosaic Committee, Karl France was named the first head coach in the history of the Fairleigh Dickinson University men's volleyball program.
From Fairleigh Dickinson University Athletics
Fairleigh Dickinson University introduced Karl France as its first-ever head men's volleyball coach on Thursday afternoon.
NEC Front Row Press Conference
France brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the rapidly-growing sport, having most recently spent a nine-year tenure at NYU. A two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Assistant Coach of the Year, France helped guide the Division III Violets to a 13-3 overall record this past season as the team finished ranked No. 2 nationally.
"I want to thank Director of Athletics Brad Hurlbut, Associate Athletic Director Jason Young, and the entire search committee for selecting me to start and grow this volleyball program into a respected pillar of FDU's athletics department," France said during the press conference.
"When Brad and Jason spoke of their vision for the athletics department, I immediately knew we would do great things together. We share a unified vision of our winning student-athletes: competent, philanthropic, and honorable human beings who are leaders not only athletically but also academically. I look forward to working with the great people behind this athletic department's success as we build a thriving volleyball program that complements and elevates all Knights teams."
A Brooklyn native, France arrives "on the Hackensack" with over 22 years of volleyball coaching experience. Prior to his second stint at NYU, France orchestrated a turnaround as head coach of Division I Rutgers-Newark where he spent four seasons and led the team to two division titles in the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA).
"We are thrilled to welcome Karl to the Knights Family as our first-ever head men's volleyball coach," said Hurlbut. "He was on a radar before we launched our search, and we are so happy to start our program with Karl at the helm. He brings a ton of expertise and connections in the volleyball world with him that will be very valuable as we build our foundation. Karl's successes in his previous stops will no doubt be replicated on the Hackensack."
France has a proven track record of leading his student-athletes to success on the court and in the classroom. The Bowling Green State University graduate's impressive coaching accolades include coaching the 2006 AVCA National Player of the Year, the 2017 New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year, and nine NCAA All-Americans. In addition, the 2017 NYU Violets earned their conference's team academic award.
France began his coaching career in 1998 as head coach of both the men's and women's volleyball programs at College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, N.Y. before embarking on his first stint as an assistant coach at NYU in 2002.
About FDU Men's Volleyball
FDU unveiled its new program back on January 13 and the team is set to begin competition in the 2021-22 season.
The men's volleyball program has received tremendous support from the volleyball community including a $200,000 grant from First Point Volleyball Foundation to aid in its establishment.
What They're Saying
Kathleen DeBoer, AVCA Executive Director
"Starting a program takes energy, optimism and leadership. Karl has all three; plus he has the experience to know that nothing of significance comes easily or quickly. These qualities make him a great hire for Fairleigh Dickinson University."
Wade Garard, CEO, First Point Volleyball Foundation
"I am thrilled for Karl France to have this head coach opportunity during a time when FDU is deeply committed to athletics and growing its whole department," said Wade Garard, CEO of First Point Volleyball Foundation. "FDU has found an experienced, dynamic, and thoughtful leader in Karl who is poised and ready to create a new team from scratch. I have confidence that Karl will build a successful men's volleyball program that the Knights community will be proud of for years to come."
Jose Pina, NYU Head Men's Volleyball Coach
"Karl has been an invaluable asset to our program. In his two stays as an assistant coach he has been an exemplary mentor and teacher to the young men who have been part of our teams. During his time with our program he has recruited and coached 10 All-Americans and has twice been honored as the AVCA DIII Assistant Coach of the Year. But most of all he has been a dear friend to me and a trusted ally to our student athletes and staff."