Coaching Experience
• Assistant Coach, Cornell University (2021-present)
• Assistant Coach, University of Mary (2019-21)
• Assistant Coach, Cornell University (2015-18)
• Student Coach, Grand View University (2014-15)
• Head Coach, Folsom HS (2010-11)
Education
• B.A., Sports Management, Grand View University (2015)
• M.S., Sports Management, Bournemouth University (2020)
At Cornell
Aaron DeKalb rejoined the Cornell volleyball coaching staff as an assistant coach in 2021, reuniting him with head coach Trudy Vande Berg. In 2023, he was elevated to first assistant. He previously had been on the Big Red staff from 2015-18 before joining the staff at the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D for two seasons.
In his first three-year stint on the Cornell staff, DeKalb helped the 2016 team double its win total from the previous year to post a 12-12 record overall, the program's best single-season turnaround since the 2003 team went 21-4 following a 14-12 performance in 2002. With its record of 6-8 in the Ivy League, the Big Red finished fifth in the conference standings for its highest finish since the 2008 team placed third. The 2017 team bettered that, going 8-6 in conference action to post a third-place finish, the program's best mark in a decade.
Prior to Cornell
DeKalb’s coaching career began as a student coach at Grand View, where he was responsible for the development and training of junior varsity and varsity programs. He has served as a coach for the Johnston Volleyball Club, Precision Volleyball Club, and Going Gold Volleyball Club. DeKalb also coached one season for the boys’ varsity team at Folsom High School.
Playing Career
DeKalb began his playing career at Belmont Abbey College, and as team captain in 2013, he ranked second overall in NCAA Division II for digs per set. He finished his playing career at Grand View University, winning a conference championship in 2014 and placing third at NAIA Nationals in 2014 and 2015.
Personal
DeKalb is a native of Placerville, Calif.
*Updated July 2023
