James Clar Named Hartwick Women’s Volleyball Coach
Hartwick Athletics
ONEONTA, NY – Hartwick College Director of Athletics Dr. Kim Fierke has announced the hiring of James Clar as the new Hartwick College head women’s volleyball coach. Clar, an assistant with Nazareth College for the last three seasons and former Division I standout, becomes just the third head coach in the history of the program after the announcement of longtime coach Lou Lansing’s retirement in July.
“Hartwick is very privileged to have a new volleyball coach the caliber of James Clar,” said Fierke. “He will bring strong leadership and energy to the program. Hartwick volleyball is in very capable hands and James is a great addition to our staff.”
Last season, Clar helped lead a young Golden Flyers’ team to its first Empire 8 Championship in five years and its first NCAA Tournament appearance in six seasons. After recording a regular season record of 24-12, Naz earned the second seed in the Empire 8 playoffs defeating third-seeded Stevens in straight sets and then top-seed and host Elmira College to capture the conference crown.
Clar coached four players who were received Empire 8 honors last season, including freshman middle blocker Maria Allocco, who was tabbed the conference’s Rookie of the Year.
Originally from Rochester, NY, Clar has worked extensively with USA Volleyball and the Rochester Volleyball Club. He has also been an instructor at numerous volleyball camps throughout the United States.
Clar played four seasons for the men’s volleyball program at the University of Hawai’i from 2006-2009, captaining the squad in both his junior and senior seasons. After playing in 21 matches and finishing third on the team in kills during his sophomore campaign, Clar led the team with 3.77 kills per game and 4.49 points per game the following season.
A semi-professional beach volleyball player for the last three years, Clar is also a NSCA-CPT National Strength and Conditioning Association certified personal trainer.
“I am truly honored and excited to be the new head volleyball coach at Hartwick College,” said Clar. “I appreciate the opportunity and really look forward to getting in the gym with our players.”
Clar inherits a team which recorded a 13-20 record last season. Eleven letter winners return to the squad, which lost just two players to graduation. The season begins August 31 at the Oneonta State Invitational.