Mike Iandolo Named Assistant Men’s Volleyball Coach
August 02, 2021 | Men's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. - First year Ball State men's volleyball head coach Donan Cruz has hired Mike Iandolo to join him as an assistant coach for the Cardinals this season.
"We are thrilled to welcome Mike and his family to Ball State," Cruz said. "Mike is a great person that brings a wealth of experience and knowledge both as a coach and a player. He is a major addition to our staff and will significantly help us accelerate our program forward. I look forward to working with him as we embark on a new chapter of Ball State Men's Volleyball."
Iandolo is no stranger to MIVA (Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) and or Ball State as he was a standout player at fellow MIVA member Lewis University. During his career as a Flyer, Iandolo was a three-time Delahnty Award and MIVA Academic All-Conference selection at the setter position. He was also a two-time All-MIVA First Team selection. After his playing days with the Flyers, Iandolo spent the 2012-13 campaign as a graduate assistant coach for his alma mater.
"I am super excited to be joining the staff at Ball State," Iandolo said. "I want to thank Coach Cruz for the opportunity to come back to the midwest and the MIVA. Ready to get to work and help bring championships to BSU Men's Volleyball. My wife and I love the thought of being closer to family in the Midwest. We are looking forward to raising our kids here."
Prior to his appointment with the Cardinals, Iandolo spent three seasons (2018-2021) as the head coach at the University of Charleston where he helped the Golden Eagles place 10 players on the EIVA (Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) All-Academic squad. Iandolo also played a hand in one of his former players Eugene Stuart to became a professional volleyball player. He also guided the Golden Eagles to the program's first-ever victory over Harvard in 2019.
Before coming a head coach at the University of Charleston, Iandolo spent the 2017-2018 season as the assistant men's volleyball coach at Grand Canyon University, helping the Antelopes to an 18-11 overall record including a pair of upset wins over NCAA Division I top-15 ranked teams.
Iandolo has a wide range of coaching experiences as he has also spent time on the volleyball club scene serving as head coach with the Fusion and 18 White team in Maregno, Illinois.
The Orlando, Fla. native also played professionally with the Florida Wave where he won the Men's Open National Championship and the PVL National Championship in 2013 as well as being named MVP for both. Iandolo would then travel abroad to play in Sweden for Falkenbergs Volleybollklubb, earning a silver medal in the Swedish Elite Series and being named Best Setter. He also received the same accolades when he played for Nea Salmina during the 2015-2016 campaign.