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Figlar's Experience Looks to Spike Hand Volleyball

Mark Figlar holds a vast amount of volleyball knowledge and he brings that know-how to the Tigers' boys' team and looks to use it toward squad success.

After entering the sport on a club level at Southern Connecticut State University, Mark began as assistant coach at Choate before moving onto Masuk's girls' team as both an assistant and head man (being a part of consecutive state-final squads in 2004 and 2005), and then Amistad Academy following that. But now, he brings his expertise to Hand as its new head coach for the boys' team this spring.

"I've been lucky with all my experiences, and I was led to Madison, because I saw in the interviewing process, it had a lot to offer with the support of the school, parents, and the kids," says Mark, who is also involved in the Connecticut Juniors program. "I want to help the boys create their own legacy for the school. All things seem to be in place, so I'm excited for this situation."

He learned about the opening through social media of all places; the slot was right up Mark's alley. Balance is key to his club by creating an atmosphere of enjoyment but also hard work.

"I was actually toying around with the idea of becoming either a boys' coach or even a referee, but I saw someone on Facebook posted about the opening and thought it would be a good situation because of the reputation the school has," Mark says. "The biggest thing with me is that kids need to have some discipline, but with that, they need to also have fun. I want them to have a blend of fun, discipline, passion, and effort. I know that I will try to instill in them the proper techniques and efforts, because every point can make a difference."

Mark's ideal environment plus his résumé led Hand Athletic Director Craig Semple to believe he was the perfect match for the Tigers.

"Mark is a very experienced coach; he has coached throughout the state and has a great reputation. And he will also make an immediate impact on the kids," says Semple. "He also has a high expectation of standards, so it was a natural choice for us. He knows how to get his kids to have fun and excitement, and he can create a great atmosphere that is also structured."

Through being on the court and along the sideline, Mark's passion for the game grew. He adds that when his pupils take on that same heart, it's something special.

"I love coaching, because with coaching volleyball comes my love for the game. I never had a formal coach when I played that could show me how to do things the right way and I wish I had that, so I'm going to give that to them," says Mark, who will be assisted by former Hand All-State player Pat Kelly and Giovanni Meyer. "I want to create that same passion; I love when they see they can block the ball, or hit the ball better in a certain spot on the court."

Already with a good rapport between him and the boys, Mark has aimed for improvement his rookie year, while he also eyes creating accountability and teamwork.

"I want us to try for a .500 record this year; if we surpass that, then it's fantastic," says Mark, who thanks his father Andrew, Waterford girls' volleyball Head Coach Beau Lucas, and Connecticut Sports Center owner Tyson Krause. "We had a lot of new freshmen show up in our preseason interest meeting, which is what you want to see. I told them what we expect from them, and they responded well. We want to establish a good base of skill and what systems we want to run as coaches, plus also teaching about different roles and responsibilities and that everyone is on the same page. Right now, we just have to get them as prepared as we can and take it one match at a time."