Colorado University Athletics
Assistant Coach Hogan Leaving CU Volleyball
BOULDER - University of Colorado assistant volleyball coach Tom Hogan has decided to leave the program after three years to focus on his family, head coach Liz Kritza announced Wednesday.
"It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to resign as a coach at the University of Colorado in order to focus on my family," Hogan said. "My wife and I are planning on starting a family soon, and the distance of our careers was simply not conducive to raising a family. The staff and players at CU have been like a second family to me, one that I will miss deeply and remain connected to for life.
"Although I am sad to leave the CU volleyball family, I am very excited for the future of the program. The talented and dedicated players at CU, combined with the incoming high-level class of 2012, make for a bright future and one that I am proud to have contributed to."
During Hogan's three seasons the Buffs showed much growth and
improvement despite compiling an 19-69 record in two very
competitive conferences.
"I wish the team great success as it continues to grow and compete
in the Pac-12, and I will continue to support and cheer for the
Buffs as they build one of the top programs in the country," Hogan
said.
Hogan came to Colorado after serving as an assistant coach for the USA Women's National Volleyball Team. During Hogan's tenure with USA Volleyball he helped guide the team to a silver medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It was the first time since 1984 that the U.S. played in the gold medal match.
Hogan proved valuable to the U.S. program. In 2005, he helped Team USA to a gold medal at the 2005 NORCECA Championships and a silver medal at the World Grand Champions Cup. After a disappointing 2006 season, Team USA won 26 of 37 matches in 2007 and earned 2008 Olympic Games qualification at the FIVB World Cup. Hogan was named the USOC Coach of the Month in September of 2007. He served as the head coach for Team USA at the 2008 Pan American Cup in Mexico, which resulted in the U.S. receiving a berth into the 2009 FIVB World Grand Prix and fifth-place finish with a young team.
"CU will experience a great loss with Tom's departure, as he is one of the top up-and-coming coaches in the country," Kritza said. "He is a strategic, passionate and talented volleyball coach who believes in his players and puts his heart into his team."
The Buffs finished the 2011 season 6-24 overall, 1-21 in the Pac-12. They graduated three seniors, including a pair of starters, and signed three outstanding prep athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2012 season.
"Tom was instrumental to the building of our program and our future," Kritza said. "He helped acquire of one of the top recruiting classes in our program's history for 2012, and our future success will reflect his many contributions.
"We wish Tom and his family well in their future endeavors as he will be missed by the entire Buff family."