Assistant Schall Named Head Volleyball Coach

Posted on Feb. 16, 2023

Mike Schall, who for the past five years served as an assistant volleyball coach at UNC, has been named the program’s new head coach after a nationwide search.

Schall replaces Joe Sagula, who after 33 years retired in January as the winningest volleyball coach in ACC history.

“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,” Schall said in the University’s newsletter, The Well. “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.”

UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham said in The Well that Schall understands and embraces Carolina’s commitment to winning both on and off the court. “His belief in developing both athletes and students makes him a terrific choice for this position,” 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.”

Under Sagula, Schall was involved in all aspects of the volleyball program, including the recruitment of two, top 15 classes. He began his career at his alma mater, Pennsylvania State University, where he recruited, helped plan practices, scouted and assisted with individual player development. During his 12 years there, Penn State reached the NCAA Final Four five times and won a national championship. After he left, the program won four consecutive NCAA titles with players he helped recruit.

Schall co-founded the Revolution Volleyball Club in 2007 in Pennsylvania with his wife and Dan LaBonte. The organization began with five teams and has grown to more than 20 in three locations across the state, according to its website. It has produced more than 160 players who have competed at the collegiate level.

“Mike is an incredible coach who leads with love,” LaBonte said. “He provides an environment that enables his players and staff to obtain their potential and purpose beyond the volleyball court. I’m excited to watch the UNC program succeed under Mike’s guidance, on and off the court.”

Schall has served in different leadership positions throughout his career, including involvement in the NCAA Recruiting Task Force and the Junior Volleyball Recruiting Association. With his wife, Sarah, he has led overseas service trips to Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic through Courts for Kids, a nonprofit organization.

He said he looks forward to continuing the work to build consistent championship teams at Carolina.