Dave Franklin joined the Phoenix as an assistant coach in August 2021.
A native of Westerville, Ohio, he 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. Franklin 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.
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.
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.
