The search committee looking to find a new volleyball coach didn't have to leave the Concordia University system to find a very qualified and determined coach to take over the direction of the program.

Dan Kirchhoff (Concordia University-River Forest, 1998) has been named as the head coach of the Cardinal program, replacing Melvin Balogh who resigned in November. Kirchhoff will also serve as a member of the faculty this coming fall.

The 31-year-old Kirchhoff began his coaching career at his alma mater, serving as the assistant coach for the Cougar's women's volleyball team. After his four-year stint, Kirchhoff moved north and became the men's head volleyball coach at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, an NCAA Division III program in the Lake Michigan Conference (which is home to Concordia-Mequon).

After a year at MSOE, Kirchhoff moved back to Illinois to serve as an assistant coach for the women's volleyball program at Cardinal Stritch University, a member of the NAIA. At that time, Kirchhoff also began to serve as the head coach of the Rockford Volleyball 18 Select team, a position he has held for the last two years.

Kirchhoff moves to Ann Arbor after serving as the graduate assistant and acting Sports Information Director at Rockford College in Illinois.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to both coach and teach within the Lutheran university system," said Kirchhoff. "It is great to be back in the Concordia family and I am excited to be able to guide a program that plays in the NAIA, where I think you can attract not only better athletes, but also better student-athletes."

Kirchhoff plans to spend the next few weeks preparing for his move to the Ann Arbor area, but has already begun the process of planning his practices and game plans. His team better be prepared both physically and mentally as well.

"I know that we will have to cram a lot in just a short period of time," Kirchhoff said. "My offense and defense are complicated, so there will be a lot to learn. We will need the players to come into camp in shape and be ready to hit the court flying."

Kirchhoff realizes that the Cardinals play in one of the toughest conferences in the NAIA, with perennial powers Madonna and Cornerstone leading the way. The first step for success is getting his players to believe in themselves and raise their expectations.

"We have to change our mind set before we can become truly successful," Kirchhoff said. "Things could snowball from there if we put our mind to it."