Craig Case Introduced as New Head Volleyball Coach at Texas A&M University-Commerce

Audio from the Press Conference (courtesy of KETR)

Texas A&M University-Commerce introduced Craig Case as the new head volleyball coach on Thursday.

“We are very excited to have Craig Case join our Lion athletic family. He brings a wealth of experience and strong national recruiting ties to our program. We were looking for a volleyball coach to take our program to the next level as a nationally recognized program. We have selected the right person by choosing Craig Case to lead our volleyball program,” said A&M-Commerce athletic director Carlton Cooper.

“Craig Case brings a high level of energy and enthusiasm to our volleyball program.  His experience and competitive spirit will take the team to the next level.  His dedication to students will ensure that our student athletes will win both on and off the court,” said A&M-Commerce president Dr. Dan Jones.

Case comes to A&M-Commerce with an extensive volleyball coaching career, including the last four seasons at Valley City State University in Valley City, North Dakota. In addition to serving as the Head Volleyball Coach, he also served as an instructor and as the school’s Sports Information Director. He guided the Vikings to its first winning season in nearly a decade and currently ranks third all-time in career wins in the program.

At VCSU, Case coached the athletic department’s first-ever, first-team female All-American, two academic all-americans, an AVCA/NAIA Regional Player of the Year as well as multiple players, who earned conference recognition from the Dakota Athletic Conference. Among the recognition were two DAC Liberos of the Year and a DAC Player of the Year. Twice, his team was recognized by the NAIA as Champions of Character and was recognized by the AVCA for its academic success. Concurrently, he has also been involved as the Director of the Valley City Juniors Volleyball Club.

Case served as the Head Volleyball Coach at St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee, Oklahoma as they restarted their volleyball program in 2005, where he had a player earn all-Sooner Athletic Conference honors. Prior to that, he served for three seasons as an assistant coach and assistant in the athletic development office at Northern State University, where he directed two all-region performers and five all-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference selections, a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Libero of the Year and the team earned academic honors from the AVCA all three years. 

He has been active with volleyball camps ranging from remedial developmental to elite performance camps. He has served as a speaker at the North Dakota, South Dakota and the Oklahoma Volleyball Coaches Association clinics. 

Case received his bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University in 1999 and holds a master’s degree in education from St. Lawrence University and received his master’s degree in education with an emphasis in Physical Education, Health and Coaching at Northern State University.

What Others Are Saying About Coach Case:

University of Iowa Head Coach Sharon Dingman.
“Craig is the consummate professional. He will continue to build Texas A&M University-Commerce into a championship caliber program. Craig is so passionate about developing players that I’m certain he will enrich the lives of his student-athletes and the entire athletic department.” 

Northern Illinois University Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Sundance Wicks:
"Texas A&M University-Commerce hit the jackpot when they decided to hire Craig Case to lead a new era in their volleyball program.  There are only a handful of coaches who are the complete package and able to develop players as much mentally as well as physically.  His unbridled passion for the game allows Coach Case to be one of those rare coaches.  Whatever his teams need, Coach Case is able to help them find an edge and keep his players sharp.  There is absolutely know one who studies their craft more, respects the game, and wants to get the community involved in his program as much as Coach Case. He is unequivocally a phenomenal hire!" 

Valley City State University Athletic Director B.J. Pumroy:
“Craig will not only be missed by the VCSU campus but by the Valley City community as well. He has been a driving force in furthering the sport of volleyball in the community. His skills as a team member of the athletic department will be difficult to replicate.”

Jason Allen, University of Iowa Assistant Volleyball Coach:
“I have had the privilege of knowing Craig for almost ten years now.  Craig’s intensity, passion, and knowledge of the game have allowed him to be successful with every program he has touched.  His strong work ethic and vibrant personality will be great assets as he continues the A&M-Commerce tradition. Texas A&M University–Commerce has made an outstanding hire and I look forward to watching the program reach new heights under Craig’s leadership."

Photos from the Press Conference:

 

Texas A&M University-Commerce President Dr. Dan Jones (far right) addresses the audience about Craig Case.


Athletic Director Carlton Cooper (left), Head Volleyball Coach Craig Case (center) and President Dr. Dan Jones (right) listen to the question from a member of the audience.