LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Mike Kraft has been named the new head volleyball coach at Lock Haven.
A decorated collegiate player in his own right, Kraft previously served as an assistant coach at the college level with the men's Division III program at Juniata College.
"We are excited to welcome coach Mike Kraft to The Haven family," said Bashar W. Hanna, president. "I'm looking forward to seeing our student-athletes succeed under his leadership."
"I am excited to announce and welcome Mike Kraft as our new head volleyball coach," said Lock Haven Director of Athletics, Dr. Tom Gioglio. "I am impressed with his teaching and recruiting experience, as well as his passion and drive. Mike's skills and his connections to the area's best club teams will also be an advantage when it comes to advancing our volleyball program."
Since 2013, Kraft has held the role of head coach and technical director at Horseshoe Volleyball Club in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. Most recently, he has coached the 12U and 17U girls' teams, but has vast experience at all levels of youth volleyball.
"I am eager to lead the women's volleyball program at Lock Haven," Kraft said. "With my experience as a former player, teacher, coach and club director, I believe that I bring a unique perspective to the position. I am grateful for this opportunity and honored to be given the reins of a program with such rich tradition."
Kraft also served as the head women's volleyball coach at Tyrone High School from 2014-21.
From 2013 to 2016, he was the men's volleyball assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Juniata College. During the 2014 season, Kraft helped guide Juniata to an NCAA DIII national runner-up finish. Juniata went 29-5 during the 2014 season and four players earned All-American honors.
Kraft also spent time on the coaching staff at Division I Saint Francis, working with the men's program.
During his collegiate playing days at Juniata, Kraft was a two-time Academic All-American and helped lead the Eagles to the 2009 NCAA Division III national championship. He graduated from Juniata in 2012 with a degree in early childhood/elementary education. In 2019, Kraft earned a master's in education from Saint Francis University. Since 2013, he's taught at Tyrone Middle School as a general education teacher.
