By: Andrew Gavin (@GBGavin)
GreenBayPhoenix.com

GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) - Michaela Franklin has been named the head coach of the Green Bay volleyball program, Director of Athletics Ken Bothof announced on Tuesday. Franklin takes over the program after spending the past four seasons as an assistant coach at Marquette.

"First, I would like to thank Ken Bothof and the entire hiring committee for their time and dedication," said Franklin. "I am ecstatic for the opportunity of becoming the next leader of the Green Bay volleyball program.  As I went through the process, it was made very clear to me that everyone at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has the same passion, intensity and drive as I do in assisting the student-athletes in being successful both academically and athletically. I look forward to competing in the Kress Center, one of the nation's premier athletics facilities."

During Franklin's time at Marquette, she helped the Golden Eagles to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances in 2011 and 2012 while also serving as the recruiting coordinator. Franklin assisted Marquette to a 27-7 record in 2012, including a 13-2 mark and a second place finish in the BIG EAST Conference. She also trained the outside hitters and worked as the program's defensive coordinator. Prior to Marquette, Franklin was an assistant coach at Northern Illinois from 2006-08.

A native of Lincoln, Neb., Franklin played her collegiate volleyball at Kansas State University, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in family studies and human services in 2005. While at KSU, Franklin helped the Wildcats capture a Big XII Championship and win four matches in three NCAA Tournament appearances.

"Michaela brings a passion for the sport of volleyball and the well-being of student-athletes that is extremely important to our program," said Bothof. "That quality as well as her experience recruiting successful student-athletes from the Midwest, and, in particular the state of Wisconsin, make her a perfect fit to the be head volleyball coach at Green Bay."

Franklin takes the reins of the program from Debbie Kirch, who resigned from the position after 16 seasons in November to take an Assistant AD role in the athletics department and will serve as the sport supervisor for the program.

"We are excited to have Michaela join our staff," said Kirch. "I truly appreciate the professionalism and passion for the sport of volleyball that she displayed throughout the search and screen process. She is going to be a great fit, not only for our volleyball program and athletics department, but for our University as well."

In her first season with the Phoenix, Franklin will welcome back senior setter Leah Poel (Jenison, Mich.), a group of four senior hitters which combined for 952 kills in 2012 and three other letterwinners.

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