Iain Braddak, has been named the Kenneth L. Gross Head Coach of Volleyball at Penn, Director of Athletics M. Grace Calhoun announced on Monday, April 16.
“Iain impressed us as a passionate, energetic educator who is sincere about his focus on the holistic development of young adults,” Calhoun said. “In addition to his head coaching experience, he was an instructor at his four previous institutions and brings Ivy League knowledge from his time at Columbia. We look forward to Iain continuing the positive momentum of the Penn volleyball program.”
Braddak began his collegiate coaching career at Culver-Stockton College in 2012 as a head coach tasked with starting the men’s volleyball program. In his first season, he recruited 18 student-athletes and laid the foundation for the future of the program. He also served as an assistant for the women’s volleyball program.
He then moved to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) as the head women’s volleyball coach for two seasons, compiling a 32-14 overall record. Braddak led USMMA to its first winning season in eight years in 2013 and the first consecutive winning seasons since 2003 and 2004.
In 2015 and 2016, Braddak was the head women’s volleyball coach at Smith College before serving as an assistant coach at Ivy League rival Columbia in 2017.
“I am honored and excited to join Penn Athletics as its next head volleyball coach,” Braddak said. “Penn is an inspiring institution and an impressive community of student-athletes, faculty, and staff. I am thrilled to join this department so dedicated to developing champions holistically. I want to thank Dr. Calhoun, [Associate Athletic Director] Scott Ward, and everyone involved in this process for their confidence in my ability to lead this program forward. Penn volleyball has a rich tradition, phenomenal potential, and a strong foundation, and I look forward to guiding this program to the next level.”
