IMG Academy Welcomes Gilad Doron as Director of Volleyball

BRADENTON, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2024) - IMG Academy, the world’s leading sports education brand, has announced Gilad Doron as the Director of Volleyball. Doron brings a wealth of coaching experience and an impressive track record of success to IMG Academy, which launched its volleyball program in 2023. It’s the boarding school’s ninth sport and the first-ever girls-only sport.

Born and raised in Israel, Doron's coaching journey spans across continents, establishing him as a respected figure in the volleyball coaching community who has coached several All-Americans and All-Conference players alike. A former player for the Israeli national team, his extensive coaching career includes success at the NCAA Division I and high school ranks.

Doron joins IMG Academy from his most recent role as an assistant coach at the United States Military Academy. Prior to that, he spent seven seasons at Dartmouth College, where he made history as the third head coach in the program's legacy and had the highest winning percentage in total wins both at Dartmouth and in the Ivy Leagues.

“I am honored to take on the Director of Volleyball at IMG Academy and there could not be a better time to join this incredible organization,” said Gilad Doran, Director of Volleyball at IMG Academy. “There is so much to appreciate about IMG Academy including its world-class facilities and aligned vision to help our student-athletes become the best versions of themselves to win their future. I am grateful to be in this position and I am ready to make an impact.”

Before Dartmouth, Doron was the Head Coach of the University of San Francisco from 2007 to 2016. His tenure marked the most successful period in the program's history, achieving a record of 131-130. Doron's coaching expertise extends to other collegiate programs, including successful stints at Villanova and Temple University, where he contributed to remarkable improvements and impressive records.

Prior to making waves in American collegiate volleyball, Doron founded the Philadelphia Volleyball Academy (now known as East Coast Power) in 2003, a nationally ranked club comprising five teams and players aged 14-18. His commitment to player development also manifested during his time as the head goals coach at Synergy Volleyball Club in Philadelphia.

As a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Temple University with a degree in Finance and Risk Management Insurance, Doron's academic achievements complement his on-court success.

Volleyball Industry Reactions to Doron’s Hire at IMG Academy:

“IMG Academy knocked it out of the park with this hire. Gilad possesses the unique skill set needed for this opportunity. His background as an elite coach and player as well as his business background and history of running his own club give him the ability to be successful. Gilad is a wonderful human being who cares a lot about his student-athletes, and I wish him nothing but the best in his new post.” - Dan Fisher, Head Coach of University of Pittsburgh Volleyball

“IMG Academy made a slam dunk hire with Gilad. He is a high-level leader who knows how to grow the sport of volleyball. I am confident that his passionate and positive leadership style will help guide the next generation of young people at IMG Academy to new heights. Coming to the United States from a different country was very difficult for me and Gilad was influential in my transition to such an important part of my life.” - Alma Kovaci Lee, Head Coach of United States Military Academy Volleyball

About IMG Academy

IMG Academy is the world’s leading sports education brand, providing a holistic education model that empowers student-athletes to win their future, preparing them for college and for life. IMG Academy provides growth opportunities for all student-athletes through an innovative suite of on-campus and online experiences:

• Boarding school and camps, via a state-of-the-art campus in Bradenton, Fla.
• Online coaching via the IMG Academy+ brand, with a focus on personal development through the lens of sport and performance
• Online college recruiting, via the NCSA brand, providing content, tools, coaching and access to a network of 40,000 college coaches

To learn more about IMG Academy and its on-campus and online experiences, visit www.imgacademy.com.