Bio

Michael Palaschak is in his third year as the head women’s volleyball coach at Westmoreland County Community College.

In his first season as the Wolfpack head coach, freshman Haley Kolar earned All-WPCC honors after finishing first or second on the team in nearly every statistical category. Last year, the Wolfpack played 12 matches in a shortened-season due to COVID.

Palaschak has served as a PIAA volleyball official for the last 14 years and also has coaching experience at the college, high school and club levels. From 2007-09, he was an assistant coach for Carlow College in the fall, while also working as an assistant boys coach at Fox Chapel High School in the spring. In addition, he worked two seasons as a head coach for an 18-year old boys team with the United Club Volleyball program.

Palaschak’s coaching career began after his playing career ended, as he was a three-year starter at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa. He earned a scholarship at Mercyhurst after a decorated playing career at Norwin High School in North Huntington, Pa., where he was a two-time First Team All-Section pick.

A Norwin High School graduate, Palaschak earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Mercyhurst in 2007. In addition to coaching volleyball, he is the Regional Sales Manager for Balfurd Linen Service.