St. John's University Athletics
Joanne Persico Honored at St. John’s Bread and Life’s Johnny’s Angels Awards
4/26/2025 11:41:00 AM | General, Women's Volleyball
The longtime Red Storm volleyball head coach was presented with the Dr. Pamela Shea-Byrnes Award on Thursday
QUEENS, N.Y. – St. John's Volleyball Head Coach Joanne Persico was honored with the Dr. Pamela Shea-Byrnes Award at the 27th Annual St. John's Bread and Life's Johnny's Angels Awards on Thursday at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Members and supporters of St. John's Bread and Life gathered at Giando on the Water to raise funds and awareness for the organization's emergency food programs and essential human services, while honoring outstanding individuals that reflect the Vincentian spirit of the university.
Persico was one of three honorees to receive an award at the annual event, being named the recipient of the Dr. Pamela Shea-Byrnes Award. Thomas and Paula Mclnerney were presented with the Johnny's Angel Award, while Ridgewood Savings Bank was honored as the Bread and Life Service Award recipient.
After receiving her award, Persico addressed the crowd, discussing her experiences at the helm of St. John's volleyball, working alongside St. John's Bread and Life and how the organization's Vincentian Mission impacts her career.
The winningest coach in BIG EAST history has been driven by the Vincentian spirit throughout her career, spending countless hours building a volleyball community for youth players. She is currently a member of the CYO board and has previously served as the Vice President, helping to bring volleyball to youth players around New York. In addition, Persico serves on the Board of Trustees at her alma mater, St. Francis Prep, giving back to the students in her local Queens Community.
Persico, the sole head coach in the volleyball program's 31-year history, is fresh off her 14th 20-win season, which saw the Red Storm qualify for its 13th BIG EAST Tournament and its third-straight NIVC Tournament berth. The Red Storm advanced all the way to the NIVC Fab Four in 2024, marking the furthest round the Johnnies have advanced to in any national postseason tournament.
Last September, the three-time BIG EAST Coach of the Year was honored with the 2024 St. John's Vincentian Mission Award at the university's Vincentian Convocation for her personal commitment to the St. John's mission through active and sustained service to others. Throughout her coaching career, she has been inducted into Syracuse's Orange Plus Hall of Fame, the Catholic High School Athletics Hall of Fame, the St. Francis Prep High School Hall of Fame and the St. Francis Prep Ring of Honor.
To learn more about the St. John's Bread and Life and the Johnny's Angels Awards, visit its website by clicking here.