After five seasons as Ashland University volleyball's head coach,
Kevin Foeman was named to the same position at NCAA Division I Eastern Michigan on Thursday (March 2) afternoon.
"I'm beyond grateful for
Al King, President
(Carlos) Campo,
Elizabeth Hoge,
Dusty Sloan, and the rest of the support staff over my time here," Foeman said. "For their leadership and support, and allowing me the chance to lead Ashland volleyball. I've been able to coach and develop lasting relationships in my time here, and know this team is primed to continue the success that's expected here at Ashland.
"These five years have been a blessing for myself and my family, and I am grateful for everyone who was a part of it."
Said King, Ashland University Director of Athletics, "When Kevin was hired his charge was to take the volleyball program to a new level. He certainly did that. Kevin changed the culture, the work ethic and the vision. He was tireless in promoting volleyball. He increased our program's exposure on campus and in the community. The energy our team has displayed over the last several seasons can be traced to Kevin and the direction he and (assistant coach and Kevin's wife) Remy provided. We were a successful, driven team and the team's play captured the hearts of our fan base.
"We are certainly going to miss the Foemans but we wish them the best and thank them for everything they brought to Ashland."
Foeman sported a 99-44 (.692) record with the Eagles, leading the program to NCAA Division II postseason appearances in his first season (2018) and his last (2022). His .692 winning percentage is the highest in program history for head coaches with at least 100 games coached.
The 25 wins Foeman led Ashland to in 2018 are the second-most for an Eagle first-year volleyball coach (Angie Messner won 27 matches in her only season of 1977).
In 2022, Foeman's Eagles went 23-9, had the best Great Midwest Athletic Conference record at 16-1, and Ashland became the first team in program history to play host to a conference tournament at the Sherrill Hudson Court at Kates Gymnasium.
For that, Foeman was named 2022 Great Midwest Coach of the Year.
He also coached one of Ashland volleyball's six all-time All-Americans, outside hitter
Erin Krupar, who was a third-teamer in 2021 and honorable mention in 2022. In Foeman's five seasons, his Eagles went on to earn 31 all-league first-, second- or third-team or honorable mention laurels.
"I am beyond grateful for the student-athletes who gave every ounce of their effort to the betterment of our program," Foeman said.
Prior to coming to Ashland, Foeman was the head volleyball coach at Lake Erie for three seasons, and before that, was an assistant for three seasons at Hillsdale.
A 2006 graduate of the University of Mary Washington, Foeman played professional baseball in the San Francisco Giants organization and with several independent league teams.
Foeman will head north with Remy, their three children and three dogs.
FOEMAN YEAR-BY-YEAR AT ASHLAND
| Year |
Record |
Pct. |
| 2022 |
23-9 |
.719 |
| 2021 fall |
18-13 |
.581 |
| 2021 spring |
9-8 |
.529 |
| 2019 |
24-7 |
.774 |
| 2018 |
25-7 |
.781 |
