Western New England coach Kait Kozak resigns to take new position at Navy

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Western New England women's volleyball coach Kait Kozak has resigned effective February 25 in order to become the assistant women's volleyball coach at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Kozak, a native of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, coached the Golden Bears for two seasons compiling a 37-30 record. She led her team to a school-record 27-10 record in 2009 and a first-place tie in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC). Western New England also finished second in the Conference Championship and advanced to the semifinals of the ECAC Division III Championship. Her team posted a 10-20 record this past fall.

"Western New England has certainly provided me with a very meaningful and challenging experience," said Kozak. "I have enjoyed working with all of the players and collaborating with the coaching and athletic department staff. I appreciate and value the support given to me and I am confident that the new coach will continue to lead the team in the right direction."

In addition to her coaching duties, Kozak served as an instructor in physical education, and was involved with the school's Academic Mentoring and NCAA CHAMPS Life Skills programs.  She also was a committee member for the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

"Kait is a fantastic person who did a outstanding job for us," said Western New England athletics director Mike Theulen." She leaves the program in good shape."

Kozak, who who a defensive specialist at Division I Miami (FL), joins the staff of Larry Bock who was named the new Navy women's volleyball coach last month. The Mids are members of the Patriot League.

Bock previously coached the men's volleyball team at Juniata (PA) for six years and the women's volleyball squad for 28 years. He is the NCAA all-time leader in volleyball coaching victories with a 1,252-192 record. Bock led the Eagles to NCAA Division III titles in 2004 and 2006, and was an inaugural member of the AVCA Hall of Fame.

Bock recruited Kozak to play at Juniata before she accepted a scholarship to play at Miami. Kozak's younger sister Bethany was the setter on Juniata's 2006 national championship team.

A national search is currently underway for a new coach to succeed Kozak.