Mike Arone opens his ninth season as a volunteer member of the Northridge coaching staff in 2012. His current tenure is the longest by a Matador assistant in the team's Division I history.

A native of Grand Rapids, Mich., Arone grew up in Bakersfield and graduated from West High School in Bakersfield in 1993. While in high school, Arone competed in both baseball and basketball. He then went on to Bakersfield College from 1993 to 1995 before enrolling at Cal State Northridge in 1996.

Arone played volleyball for the Matadors in 1997 and 1998 earning letters both seasons. He played primarily as a defensive specialist over his two-year Matador career before graduating in 2000 with his bachelor of science degree in kinesiology.

Arone also has coaching experience working with the Southern California Volleyball Club and is in his 12th year working as a Physical Education teacher at Willow Elementary School in Agoura Hills, Calif.

Mike and his wife Laura, who were married on Aug. 22, 2009, reside in Simi Valley.