Head DU volleyball coach Tom Hogan stepped aside today from coaching at the University of Denver. The University cited health as the key reason for Hogan’s departure. Hogan battled testicular cancer this past season and is reported to be cancer-free. Tom had a sterling 133-36 (81-14 Summi League) record as skipper of DU volleyball over the course of 11 seasons. He was elevated from the DU volleyball staff when former head coach Jessie Mahoney left DU to become head coach of his alma mater, the Colorado Buffalos.
A good friend of LetsGoDU, Tom will be missed for his passion and competitiveness in guiding Denver volleyball. Tom was highly regarded by parents and friends of the program. Former player Ellie Anderson told LetsGoDU, “Above being a phenomenal coach for his players on the court, Tom has always cared about all of us as individuals which speaks volumes to his character and the lifelong relationships built within the DU volleyball program. He holds a special place in our (alumni players) hearts and he’s got an entire army behind him cheering him on in his transition.”
He took DU to six NCAA tournaments (two as an assistant and four as head coach) and Coach of the Year in the Summit League three times while winning four regular season Summit League titles and three conference championship titles. Prior to Denver, Hogan spent time in Colorado Springs leading a number of US Junior National teams and acted as an assistant coach for the USA National Team and US Olympic Team.
Denver Volleyball’s on-court performance was impacted by Tom’s illness this past season but the team played valiantly in his absence. Assistant Andrea Beaty stepped in under Tom’s absence and guided the team to a 19-12 (12-6 Summit League) finish. Beaty has since departed the program to lead St. Louis University. As a result, Denver will be conducting an external search for a new head coach.
As with many other programs at the University of Denver, the volleyball program faced cost-cutting measures during COVID. The volleyball team was left short-staffed this past season. If Denver hopes to duplicate Hogan’s on-court excellence, Denver Athletics will need to recommit resources (i.e. money) and staff to ensure proper support for women’s volleyball if the team is to remain competitive in the Summit League and capable of earning NCAA tournament bids going forward.
Tom Hogan will be deeply missed for his outstanding coaching skills but, even more so, for his ability to connect positively with student-athletes under his leadership.
Photo: Courtesy of Denver Athletics
Hogan did a heroic, valiant job at DU under some really terrible circumstances that were well beyond his control as a head coach in recent years – Cancer, Covid and Cost-Cutting, just for starters.
But there is always more than meets the eye when a very successful coach departs. I wish this could have worked out far differently than it did.
Moreover, I hope the University can get itself into better position to support all of its coaches and sports programs the way they all need (and deserve) to be supported.