The University of Redlands is pleased to announce the hiring of Michael Burkhardt as the Bulldogs’ inaugural Head Men’s Volleyball Coach. Burkhardt brings a wealth of collegiate and club coaching experience to Redlands, along with a proven record of building successful teams and developing student-athletes on and off the court.
Burkhardt joins the University of Redlands after serving on the coaching staff at Stevens Institute of Technology, where he most recently held the position of Associate Head Men’s Volleyball Coach. During his time at Stevens, Burkhardt helped guide the program to an impressive 148-20 overall record and a 57-0 conference record over five seasons, including an NCAA Division III National Championship and three Final Four appearances.
In addition to his on-court responsibilities, Burkhardt played a significant role in recruiting, scouting, analytics, player development, team travel, equipment management, and fundraising. He directed recruiting efforts for multiple positions, coordinated official visits, and worked closely with Admissions throughout the recruiting process. He also led the program’s scouting operations and developed comprehensive opponent breakdowns and strategic game plans.
Burkhardt also brings extensive experience at the club level. Since 2023, he has served as the Head Coach of Warren Sixpack Volleyball in New Jersey, leading high-performing national teams to multiple tournament championships and top-level finishes. His teams have earned championships at the Rust Bucket Super Regional, Atlantic City Invitational, Mohegan Sun, and East Coast Championships, while also posting multiple Top 10 victories and Top 25 finishes at AAU Nationals.
A strong believer in holistic student-athlete development, Burkhardt has emphasized skill development, mental resilience, team culture, and education throughout his coaching career. His club coaching experience has also included educating student-athletes and their families about the college recruiting process across NCAA divisions, as well as working with mental health and sports psychology professionals to promote best practices for athletes.
His background in athletic training and exercise science further complements his coaching philosophy. Burkhardt earned a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Adrian College in 2020, following a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Pre-Athletic Training in 2019. He is a Board of Certification Certified Athletic Trainer and a Performance Enhancement Specialist.
Before beginning his coaching career, Burkhardt was a four-year starter at Adrian College, competing as a middle blocker and pin from 2015-19. He was a two-time MCVL Player of the Week and earned MCVL All-Academic Team honors all four years of his playing career.
Among his coaching honors are a Division III Men’s Volleyball National Championship, three Final Four appearances, five conference championships, and a Thirty Under 30 Award.
