Ryan Cole - Women's Volleyball Coach - St. John's University Athletics

Ryan Cole

Title:
Assistant Coach
Email:
coler1@stjohns.edu
Phone:
718-990-5762

Assistant Coach Ryan Cole is entering his fourth season in Queens.

In 2024, Cole continued his streak of 20-win seasons. Marking every year on staff with at least 20 victories. Cole assisted the Johnnies to his third straight NIVC Tournament appearance.

The Red Storm saw immense success in its 2023 campaign, as he helped lead the program to its second consecutive and 13th 20-win season in program history. At the conclusion of the season, Cole along with the St. John’s coaching staff was named the 2023 BIG EAST Coaching Staff of the Year. The team also was named the BIG EAST Tournament runner-up. Cole also coached two All-BIG EAST selections, a BIG EAST Freshman Team selection and an AVCA All-East Coach Region Team recipient in Erin Jones.

The Johnnies also participated in their second straight NIVC Tournament, making it to the second round after sweeping Howard, 3-0. In the BIG EAST Tournament, St. John’s defeated nationally ranked Marquette, 3-2, en route to the program’s third-ever BIG EAST title game appearance.

During the 2022 campaign and Cole’s first season with the Johnnies, the team found successes on the court, clinching the program’s 12th 20-win season and its first NIVC Tournament victory. Cole coached two unanimous All-BIG EAST Selections, an AVCA All-East Coast Region team recipient and an AVCA All-East Coast Region Honorable Mention.

Cole brings four years of head coaching experience to the Red Storm staff. The Holbrook, N.Y., native arrives in Queens, after serving as the head coach of the Purchase College men’s and women’s volleyball programs.

As a member of Head Coach Joanne Persico’s staff, Cole assists in day-to-day instruction, scouting and recruiting efforts for the program. He plays an integral role in ensuring the academic and on-court success of St. John’s student-athletes.

In his previous role at Purchase, Cole took the volleyball programs to new heights. In Cole’s first year at the helm in 2019, the Panthers men’s team finished runner-up in the Skyline Conference for the first time in program history. Cole was named the conference’s Coach of the Year in 2019.

During his time at Purchase, Cole boasted a 23-16 record in conference play with the men’s volleyball team. Cole orchestrated all recruiting operations in addition to creating scouting reports and practice plans. Cole also worked to create a safe, diverse environment for his athletes to meet their personal, educational and career goals. Many members of his teams were named to the Skyline Conference Academic Honor Roll. Cole also served as an intern through the NCAA titled “Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship” where Cole worked as an athletic operations assistant.

Prior to coaching, Cole enjoyed a decorated playing career at SUNY New Paltz from 2014-18. Cole was a member of the 2016 Division III National Championship team and earned all-conference honors in his final season.

During the Hawks’ national title run in 2016, Cole appeared in 16 matches, including the NCAA Quarterfinal against Wentworth. The outside hitter notched 35 kills, 24 digs, and three blocks across 29 matches.

As team captain during his senior campaign, he led the Hawks to another successful season that included an American Volleyball Coaches Association National Player of the Week nod, a Kenneth F. Burda Sportsmanship Award, and a spot on the 2018 United Volleyball Conference First Team. That season, Cole recorded 281 kills for 3.09 kills-per-set, 20 service aces, 14 assists, 122 digs (1.34-per-set) and 34 blocks.

Cole has served as an active member of the youth volleyball community, serving as a coach at Sportime and a director at Future Stars Volleyball Camp.