ELON, N.C. – Elon University volleyball and head coach Mary Tendler announced the hiring of Assistant Coach Dave Franklin on Monday, Aug. 16.
 
"I'd like to welcome Dave and his wife, Alisa, to Elon University and our Phoenix volleyball program," Tendler said on the new addition to her coaching staff. "Dave rose to the top of our applicant pool because of his experience and his success at various levels. As I got to know him better and talked to his references, his work ethic and passion for the sport really stood out. He will be a great addition to our program as we continue our quest for a CAA Championship."
 
Franklin brings nine years of coaching at the collegiate level, to include four years leading an NCAA Division II program and three years as an assistant coach at a Top 50 Division I program. He was most recently the head coach at Carson-Newman University for four seasons, where he guided the Eagles back to the NCAA Tournament in 2017. He saw seven student-athletes earn All-South Atlantic Conference honors during his tenure, to include a pair of First Team selections and an All-Region honoree. Prior to his time in Jefferson City, Tenn., he spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Xavier University, two seasons as an assistant coach at Ohio Dominican University, and was a volunteer assistant coach for two springs at his alma mater, the University of Findlay.

"Coach Tendler made a great choice in hiring Dave Franklin as her assistant coach," added Jim McLaughlin, former women's head coach at Notre Dame, Washington and USC. "He has the willingness and capability to take on whatever responsibilities Mary and Tina Readling need him to handle for the staff and the players. He is one of the hardest and most efficient workers in the coaching profession that I've been around. As coaches, we want our players to make good decisions and he is very good at getting players to understand and apply the correct solution to a situation. Good execution is the result of a good decision process - Dave teaches players how to make good decisions. Having been in the gym with Dave, I know he has a tremendous knowledge of the game, but what I appreciate most is his ability, as a teacher, to apply that knowledge. I'm happy for Dave and the Elon volleyball program."

Franklin has also coached at the high school and club levels. As varsity coach at Lima Central Catholic High School from 2006-08, he guided the Thunderbirds to a 2007 Division III state championship as well as three district titles and two regional titles. He was named the OHSVCA Division III State Coach of the Year in 2008 and posted an overall record of 119-32. Franklin was most recently Head Coach at Mintonette Sports Volleyball Club, where he coached the 16 Open Team.

"I'd like to thank Mary for this opportunity to come help her and Elon volleyball make their vision become a reality," Franklin said. "I look forward to finding my role in helping our student-athletes accomplish their goals both on and off the court."

Franklin earned a bachelor of science degree in AYA Life Science from Findlay in 2005. A four-year letter winner for the Oilers from 2002-05, he finished his career as the program's leader in hitting percentage.