Matthew Galdi
Contributing Writer
Dominican University men’s volleyball team heads into the 2023 season with high hopes led by a new head coach, William Craft.
Craft came to Dominican after four years of coaching and playing volleyball in Europe. Earlier, he had been a star at Carthage College, where he was an AVCA All-American, and graduated in 2016.
In Europe, Craft played and coached in the German Bundesliga and in the Danish League. He earned a bronze medal finish respectively in both leagues. Following the 2018 season, Craft was named the Danish league’s Top Outside Hitter.
When it was official that Craft received the job, he had “a mixture of nervousness and excitement,” Craft said. “Whether it be on the court, in the classroom, or in the working world, I want to make sure that I am doing my part as head coach to help these wonderful men succeed in whatever they want to do.”
Players are enthusiastic about having Craft coach them, with Aaron Marrs, a sophomore outside hitter, leading the way.
“The whole team is super excited to have him,” Marrs said. “Craft is incredibly knowledgeable and young, which makes him relate with the team. The team loves him, and he is willing to set time aside to work individually with each player. I’m really excited to see what he brings to the program.”
Last year, the Stars had an outstanding season, receiving an impressive 25 wins and two losses, earning them the title of the 2022 NACC champions. They went on to the NCAA Division Three Men’s Volleyball Championship where they lost in the second round against Carthage College. Ironically, Craft was a part of the Carthage College coaching staff that defeated the Stars.
Craft acknowledged what a big season the Stars are following, especially with eight players graduating.
“This season is going to be a challenge for each player and coach on this team,” he said. “I have no doubt that we will be successful in what we set out to do, but it will not be easy getting there.”
The Stars have competed in two non-conference games so far, falling to both teams in three straight sets.
Marrs believes that the team is young, but they are working hard to find their identity as a team and that the hopes are high for the Stars.
