MICHELLE HALE
Staff Writer
Coach Geoff Braun has been the head volleyball coach at Fredonia for 15 seasons. Within these 15 seasons, his teams have a combined record of 335-193.
Braun joined the Fredonia coaching staff in 1999. He grew up in Hamburg, N.Y., and attended Frontier High School where he graduated in 1994. From there, Braun attended SUNY Cortland, majoring in physical education with a concentration in sport management and coaching.
At Cortland, Braun was a member of the men’s club volleyball team as well as the club hockey team. For the club, Braun led his team to nationals during his sophomore and senior years. His team finished fifth in the NIRSA Division II club national championship in 1997.
“I was always playing sports as a kid, whether it was soccer, baseball or even a sport me and the kids around the neighborhood made up,” said Braun.
After his college years, Braun became Fredonia’s assistant coach of the women’s volleyball team halfway through the 1998 season. The head coach at the time left unexpectedly, and Braun was offered the head coaching position.
“I wanted to be involved in something where I could help improve a student athlete’s life in a competitive environment and I think that this part of coaching has been my favorite,” said Braun.
During Braun’s time as a head coach he has led his team to a SUNYAC Conference victory in 2008 and an appearance in the Round of 16 of the NCAA Tournament. He has had three SUNYAC West Most Valuable Players, three SUNYAC West Rookies of the Year and two Regional All-Americans.
Braun was also named SUNYAC Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2008 as well as Coach of the Year in 2003. He sees these as team awards, because without the success of his team he would not be able to receive these honors.
“Coach Braun is all about being a family and everyone being there for each other,” said junior captain Paulina Rein. “He reminds us that we are a great team if we play together, smile and just have fun because we are all doing something we love to do.”
Aside from volleyball, Braun is employed by the Department of Sport Management and Exercise Science as the Director of Recreation. He runs the Intramural program for students to play in a safe, fun environment.
“Mr. Braun always makes sure he has time for intramurals,” said intramural employee Conor Gaughan. “He is extremely kind and helpful when it deals with work or anything else.”
Braun was also involved in management of the Fitness Center at Fredonia. He was the primary facility scheduler and has been the faculty advisor for sports clubs on campus. For the Intramural program, he is involved with the hiring and management of each sport that is offered.
“I’m looking forward to this volleyball season with my strong team,” said Braun, “If we find our consistency we will be right in the mix towards the end of the year.”
The women’s volleyball team faced Buffalo State, Plattsburgh and Brockport in Oswego this past weekend.