Schaeffer Named Head Volleyball Coach

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Drew Schaeffer has been named head coach of the Mitchell College women's volleyball team, as announced by Director of Athletics Dana Fulmer Garfield on Tuesday.

Schaeffer will make his collegiate head coaching debut with the Mariners. He most recently served as an assistant coach at Southern Connecticut State University for two seasons.

"We are extremely excited to add Drew to our coaching staff," said Garfield. "He has a proven history as a successful recruiter in the New England region, as well as his home state of Florida. I am confident he will grow Mitchell's women's volleyball program and help us reach new heights."

Southern Connecticut State made tremendous strides in Schaeffer's two years with the program. The Owls capped a historic 2017 season by advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in its first-ever appearance, finishing with an overall record of 24-11. While at SCSU he coached the NE-10 player of the year and multiple all-conference selections, including an AVCA All-American honorable mention.

"I would like to thank Director of Athletics Dana Fulmer Garfield, Assistant Athletic Director Casie Runksmeier, and the entire search committee for allowing me the opportunity to lead the Mitchell College volleyball program," said Schaeffer. "One word kept coming up while evaluating this program: potential. I am excited to begin training this great group of athletes to work towards unlocking this potential. Our first goal is going to be working hard every day in practice in preparation for minimizing our mistakes in matches. I'm excited to begin working and can't wait for the first day of spring training!"

Prior to joining the SCSU staff, Schaeffer spent six years as a coach at both the scholastic and club levels. He was the head volleyball coach at Oak Hall School in 2014 where he led the team to its first playoff appearance since 2010 and finished the season second in its district.

Prior to Oak Hall, he served as head varsity volleyball coach at West Port High School in Ocala, Fla., and helped lead the Wolf Pack to back-to-back district titles in Class 8A and District I. Schaeffer also help set a school record of 21 wins in 2012.

A native of Ocala, Schaeffer possesses a bachelor's degree in zoology/pre-veterinarian medicine from the University of Florida and a teaching certification in high school biology and chemistry.

Schaeffer inherits a Mitchell program that finished 2-18 overall last season.