1/5/2026
Former three-year captain and record-setting outside hitter takes the reins of surging Terriers program
Hiram, Ohio – In a move that perfectly captures the spirit of Division III athletics, Hiram College has named Kyle Martini ’25 as the sixth head coach in program history. The decision brings one of the Terriers’ most decorated players back to lead a program experiencing its most successful era.
Martini’s appointment represents more than just a coaching hire. It’s a statement about continuity, culture, and the upward trajectory of a program that has won 36 matches over the past two seasons, the most successful two-year stretch in Hiram volleyball history.
A Historic Playing Career
During his three seasons as a Terrier (2023-2025), Martini didn’t just play volleyball at Hiram. He rewrote the record books while establishing himself as one of the most dominant players in Presidents’ Athletic Conference history.
The numbers tell an impressive story. Martini finished his career ranking second all-time in kills (834) and first in kills per set (3.04), demonstrating the kind of offensive firepower that makes him a nightmare matchup. He added 59 service aces, 480 digs, 71 solo blocks, and 116 block assists to compile 1,022.0 career points, second-most in program history, while leading all Terriers in points per set (3.73).
But statistics only capture part of Martini’s impact. As a three-year team captain, he earned First Team All-Conference honors in each of his three seasons and became Hiram’s first-ever recipient of the PAC Scholar Athlete Award, a testament to his excellence both on the court and in the classroom.
The Hiram Athletic Department recognized his comprehensive contributions by naming him the 2023-24 Donald Campbell Award winner, given annually to the outstanding male athlete of the year.
Building Momentum
Under Martini’s leadership as a player, the Terriers compiled a 44-39 overall record across three seasons, highlighted by an AMCC Tournament championship and the program’s second NCAA Tournament berth in 2024. This past season, Hiram went 16-11 and advanced to the PAC Tournament semifinals before falling to second-seeded Grove City.
The trajectory is clear. The momentum is real. And now Martini gets the opportunity to sustain and amplify that progress from the sideline.
“I’m very excited and thankful to be given the opportunity to take on the challenge of leading the program I loved for the past three years,” Martini said. “I want to be able to provide a sense of stability for the program and be able to take it to the next level.”
That stability matters. In Division III volleyball, where resources can be limited and coaching turnover can disrupt program growth, having a leader who understands the culture, knows the conference, and has lived the program’s recent success provides invaluable continuity.
The Perfect Fit
Hiram Director of Athletics Scott Pohlman recognized that unique combination of experience and institutional knowledge made Martini the ideal candidate to lead the Terriers forward.
“We are excited to welcome Kyle back to campus in a head coaching role,” Pohlman said. “His experience as both a player and three-year team captain made him a strong fit to head our program. Kyle understands what is needed to bring the men’s volleyball program to an elite level both on the court and in the classroom.”
That dual emphasis on athletic and academic excellence reflects Martini’s own path. He graduated summa cum laude this past spring as an Integrated Social Studies major with minors in both History and Political Science, while also serving as a member of the Garfield Center for Public Leadership.
From Penn State Club to PAC Champion
Martini’s journey to this point includes a compelling backstory. Before arriving at Hiram, he competed as a standout member of the Penn State University club volleyball team, one of the nation’s most competitive club programs. His transfer to Hiram ahead of the 2022-23 season proved transformative for both player and program.
The decision to leave Penn State’s club scene for Hiram’s NCAA Division III program speaks to what makes D3 volleyball special: the opportunity to compete at a high level while pursuing academic passions and building genuine community. Martini found all of that at Hiram, and now he’ll work to create that same experience for future Terriers.
What’s Next for Hiram
The Presidents’ Athletic Conference has emerged as one of the more competitive leagues in Division III men’s volleyball, with programs like Grove City, Thiel, and Westminster consistently fielding strong teams. Hiram’s recent success has positioned the Terriers as a program on the rise within that competitive landscape.
With Martini at the helm, the program has a leader who knows exactly what it takes to compete at the PAC level. He’s faced every opponent in the conference as a player. He’s experienced the pressure of tournament matches. He understands the recruiting challenges and opportunities in the region.
Perhaps most importantly, he’s demonstrated the kind of work ethic, leadership, and commitment to excellence that defines successful Division III programs. Those qualities don’t disappear when someone transitions from player to coach. They evolve and expand.
The Bigger Picture
Martini’s hiring represents a growing trend in Division III volleyball: programs promoting from within when the right candidate presents themselves. It’s a model that works when you have exceptional student-athletes who possess the leadership qualities, volleyball IQ, and institutional knowledge to make the transition.
At 22 or 23 years old (having just graduated in spring 2025), Martini brings youthful energy and fresh ideas while maintaining deep connections to current players and recruits. He’ll relate to his team in ways that create trust and accountability. He’ll recruit with credibility, able to speak authentically about the Hiram experience because he lived it so recently.
The challenge will be establishing authority and managing former teammates who are now his players. But those are challenges that come with clear communication, consistent standards, and the respect Martini has already earned through his playing career.
A Bright Future
As Hiram men’s volleyball enters this new chapter, the program does so from a position of strength. The foundation is solid. The recent success is real. The trajectory is upward. And now the Terriers have a head coach who is personally invested in sustaining and building upon that momentum.
For Division III volleyball fans who appreciate the unique stories that make this level of competition special, Kyle Martini’s journey from Penn State club player to Hiram record-setter to head coach captures everything that’s compelling about the division. It’s about finding the right fit, maximizing your abilities, leading with purpose, and giving back to the program that helped shape you.
The Terriers are in excellent hands. And if Martini can translate even a fraction of his playing success to his coaching career, Hiram volleyball has exciting days ahead.