Harlan Cohen: A Legacy of American Volleyball Coaching
Harlan Cohen was a pivotal figure in the development of American volleyball, leaving an indelible mark as both a player and a high-level coach. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a rare versatility, leading both the men's and women's national teams of the United States during a transformative era for the sport in the mid-1960s.
Key Facts
- Born: November 6, 1934, in Los Angeles, California.
- Died: March 19, 2020, at the age of 85.
- National Team Success: Led the US women's team to gold at the 1967 Pan American Games.
- Olympic Experience: Head coach for the USA women's team at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
- Collegiate Achievement: Won seven USVBA college championships with Santa Monica College.
Early Career and Playing Days
Before transitioning into coaching, Cohen was an active competitor on the court. He represented the United States as a member of the volleyball team at the 1965 Maccabiah Games in Israel. During this time, he played alongside Gene Selznick, a renowned athlete who had previously competed on world championship teams.
National Team Leadership
Cohen's transition to coaching the national teams saw immediate success. In 1966, he took charge of the men's national team. However, his most prominent achievements came while leading the women's national team in the late 1960s.
Under his guidance, the US women's team secured a gold medal at the 1967 Pan American Games and earned a silver medal at the 1967 World Championships held in Tokyo. This momentum culminated in Cohen serving as the head coach for the USA women's team during the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
Collegiate Coaching Success
Beyond the international stage, Cohen was a powerhouse in the American collegiate circuit. From 1961 to 1972, he coached at Santa Monica College in partnership with Burt DeGroot. Together, they led their teams to seven championships sanctioned by the USVBA (United States Volleyball Association).
Cohen later brought his expertise to Pepperdine University, serving as the head coach from 1975 to 1976. His tenure there was highlighted by winning the USVBA championship in 1975. He also spent time coaching at UCLA between 1986 and 1991.
| Period/Year | Team/Organization | Role/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1961–1972 | Santa Monica College | 7 USVBA College Championships |
| 1965 | Team USA (Maccabiah Games) | Player |
| 1966 | USA Men's National Team | Head Coach |
| 1967 | USA Women's National Team | Pan American Gold / World Championship Silver |
| 1968 | USA Women's National Team | Olympic Head Coach (Mexico City) |
| 1975–1976 | Pepperdine University | 1975 USVBA Championship |
| 1986–1991 | UCLA | Coach |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which national teams did Harlan Cohen coach?
Harlan Cohen coached both the United States men's national team (in 1966) and the United States women's national team during the mid-1960s.
What were Cohen's biggest achievements with the women's national team?
He led the team to a gold medal at the 1967 Pan American Games and a silver medal at the 1967 World Championships in Tokyo.
Did Harlan Cohen coach in the Olympics?
Yes, he was the head coach of the USA women's volleyball team for the 1968 Summer Olympics held in Mexico City.
How successful was he at the collegiate level?
Cohen was highly successful, winning seven USVBA college championships with Santa Monica College and a USVBA championship with Pepperdine University in 1975.
Where was Harlan Cohen born and when did he pass away?
He was born on November 6, 1934, in Los Angeles, California, and passed away on March 19, 2020, at the age of 85.