The ability to perform at a high level season after season remains one of the hardest feats in the sports world. Former Dowling College Volleyball Head Coach Bruce Grandin is a true model of consistency. The moment he took over the Dowling College Volleyball program, winning became the norm.
In his first season at the helm, Grandin guided the team to the 1991 NYCAC Championship after securing a five-game victory over CW Post in the finals, and then went on to win the 1991 ECAC Championship as well. He also started a home win streak that lasted until 1997 and totaled 42 victories. From 1991 to 1996, Grandin’s teams won 77 consecutive NYCAC matches and collected five NYCAC Championships. The 1995 squad, Grandin’s most successful, remains the only team in program history to reach the final round of the NCAA Northeast Regional Tournament. That squad also placed third at the 195 Anchorage Alaska tournament, which featured the top women’s volleyball teams in the country at the time. Over his nine-year coaching career at Dowling, Grandin coached many All-NYCAC and All-Northeast Region players, including fellow Dowling College Hall of Fame members Janeen Conforti (HOF ’02) and Jenny Bessler (HOF ’00).
Before joining the coaching ranks at Dowling, Grandin gained experience coaching Newfield High School, the Middle County volleyball club, and eventually, Suffolk Community College. Grandin led Suffolk to three undefeated seasons and three NJCAA Region XV championships. In his nine seasons at the helm, Suffolk posted an overall record of 177-62 and a winning percentage of .741. After the 1999 season, Grandin stepped down as head coach and handed the reigns over to his three-year assistant, Alex Koszalka. Koszalka continues to guide the program in which Grandin laid the foundation for back in 1991.
In July 2001, Grandin ended a 33-year teaching career in the Middle Country School District, where he taught chemistry and served as the campus chairperson for science. Grandin currently serves as the Dowling Athletic Facilities and Events coordinator, as well as a PAVO (Professional Association of Volleyball Officials) referee. Along with officiating NCAA Division III, NJCAA Junior College, and Section XI high school games, Grandin has also recently joined the Dowling College Volleyball program as an assistant.
Bruce and his wife of 36 years, Paula, live in Holbrook, N.Y. The couple has two sons, Ross and Adam.
Return to List