By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech head volleyball coach Jeannette Phillips announced the newest addition to the Golden Eagle staff Wednesday with the hiring of Fran Bolletino as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
Bolletino joins the Tech program after spending the previous five seasons as an assistant coach at Duquesne University. Under his watch, the Dukes totaled four Atlantic 10 Second Team selections (Dani Suiter - 2018, Summer Slade - 2021, Morgan Kelly - 2021, Hailey Poling - 2022) and four A-10 All-Rookie team honorees in Summer Slade (2018), Morgan Kelly (2019), Anna Shoemake (2021), and Carsyn Henschen (2022).
"I'm excited to join the Tennessee Tech volleyball family," Bolletino expressed. "Coach Phillips has a clear vision for the program and has demonstrated sustained growth and success that I am excited to be a part of and support. To work with her and [associate head coach] Zach [Weinberg] during both the indoor and beach seasons is an opportunity I really look forward to as we build towards championship teams for years to come."
The Berlin, N.J. native made his way to Pittsburgh in August 2018 after coaching the 2017 season at William & Mary College.
Prior to William & Mary, Bolletino served one year as a volunteer assistant at Maryland and two years as a volunteer at the University of the Sciences of Philadelphia. He also spent three years as a head coach at the Quandomania Volleyball Club in Sewell, N.J.
"Fran really separated himself as the best candidate to join our family from the very beginning of our search process," Phillips said. "He has significant experience in training and recruiting, and his relationship-building approach will be a huge asset to us as he assists us in those areas. He knows that we have huge aspirations here, and he is ready to help take us to where we want to be."
Bolletino played on the Penn State men's club team as an undergraduate, captaining the team to a pair of EIVA championships and top-10 national rankings. He was also a practice player and assistant for the Nittany Lions women's team, where he provided scout team practice for the starting line-up and worked closely with the setters and defensive players. During his time at Penn State, the women won the 2013 NCAA Championship.
"We believe that you can do great things if you are surrounded by great people and Fran is another member that will fit in seamlessly to that theory," Phillips added. "He is very genuine and competitive, and he also understands the need to balance the game face and the laughs that need to always be present with our group. We do our best work when we ride that line of focus and fun, and his authentic self knows that line well."
"His extensive knowledge of both the indoor game, as well as the beach game, will be an exciting opportunity for us to level up in both programs. We are lucky to have him as a member of our team."
A 2014 graduate of Penn State, Bolletino received his bachelor's degree in criminology.
Photo courtesy of Duquesne Media Relations
