Coaching Staff
Ploog Succeeds Hardeman as Women's Basketball Coach
David Ploog has been named the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Hope International University as announced today by Athletic Director Greg Pappas.
Ploog, 28, takes over a women's team that last season just missed qualifying for postseason play with a record of 12-17 overall and 6-14 in conference play. He replaces T.J. Hardeman who resigned Tuesday after three years as the Royals women's coach to take the same post at Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) rival Azusa Pacific University.
"We are excited to have Dave join the Hope family," said Pappas. "He fits the model of who we want as a coach at a Christian university - a solid Christian who loves the Lord and the game of basketball. His basketball IQ is very high and he is excited to pass on that knowledge to players."
Ploog comes to Hope after spending the last five years as a coach at La Habra High School. Ploog was an assistant coach on the Varsity squad that finished last year with a 16-14 record while leading the JV squad to 3 consecutive league championships.
Although the 2007-2008 year will be his first year as a college coach, Ploog is no stranger to the GSAC. He played four years of basketball at GSAC rival Biola University. Ploog also helped out the Royals the last couple seasons by occasionally scouting some games. Dave's brother, Dan, was an assistant coach with the Royals last season.
"His playing experience at Biola, his coaching at La Habra, and overall knowledge of the GSAC provides him a foundation that will help continue to build our women's basketball team into a solid program," added Pappas.
Ploog graduated from Biola in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in Social Science. In 2002, he also earned a Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Biola.
While taking over the reigns of the woman's program, Ploog will continue to teach World History and Economics/Government at La Habra High School.
Dave is single and resides in Whittier, CA. He is currently an active youth sponsor at Calvary Baptist Church in Whittier.
If interested in playing basketball for Hope International University, please email coach David Ploog.