Jeff Rotondo Named Volleyball Head Coach at Rider University
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Rider University Athletic Director
Don Harnum has announced the hiring of
Jeff Rotondo as head coach of the volleyball team. Rotondo becomes the ninth head coach in program history and will take over a team that advanced to the MAAC Tournament Semifinals for the second time in school history.
"I am honored to be named the new head coach at Rider University to continue the successful trend that has been established," Rotondo said. "I am grateful to
Don Harnum,
Karin Torchia and the entire search committee for their faith in me to lead the Rider volleyball program and to position ourselves as a forerunner in the MAAC."
Rotondo comes to Lawrenceville after spending the last five seasons as the Head Women's Volleyball Coach at Holy Family University. In his last season at the helm of the Tigers he led the team to their most successful campaign in program history. In 2018, Rotondo guided Holy Family to their first-ever CACC Championship as the team advanced all the way to the Division II East Region Championship.
Holy Family went 31-6 in 2018 as Rotondo was recognized as the CACC Coach of the Year. Last autumn, the team had players honored as a 2018 AVCA All-American, the 2018 AVCA East Region Player of the Year, 2018 CCA East Region Player of the Year, 2018 CACC Player of the Year, 2018 CACC Rookie of the Year and the 2018 CACC Setter of the Year. The banner campaign saw the team earn its most wins in program history, highlighted by reeling off 23 straight wins during a two-month stretch from mid-September to the NCAA Tournament in November.
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Jeff Rotondo emerged as the successful candidate due to his track record of success as a head coach, his passion for the sport of volleyball, his strong recruiting ties and his ability to provide our student-athletes with a positive, competitive and well-rounded experience," Harnum said.
Not only have Rotondo's teams impressed on the court, they have excelled in the classroom as well. His teams in 2016 and 2017 were recognized as Top-25 programs in GPA by the AVCA. His 2016 squad had a 3.66 cumulative GPA and the team registered a GPA of 3.69 in 2017.
In his five years as the head coach at Holy Family, his teams went 90-71 (.559). The Tigers won over 20 games in each of his last two seasons in Philadelphia and posted a 52-16 mark.
Prior taking the reins at HFU, he served as an assistant coach with the team during the 2011 and 2012 seasons before joining the staff at the University of Central Florida in 2013. In his two years with the Tigers, Rotondo helped guide the program to a school record for wins in 2011 (25-11, 18-1 CACC) and the Regular Season Title. He also created team statistical analyses, provided video breakdown of opponent's tendencies and worked specifically with the middle hitters on improving technique, footwork and explosiveness.
"I was overwhelmed with the support shown throughout the athletics department, as well as the closeness from everyone I met at Rider University," Rotondo added. "The family atmosphere of this University appealed to me. During my interview process, I felt like a part of the department already. I am looking forward to getting started and working with the players to make Rider volleyball a model program on campus and in the MAAC."
Prior to his first stint with Holy Family, Rotondo was the head volleyball coach at Lansdale Catholic High School (2008-2011) where he guided the team to a second place finish in the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) AA Division in 2009 and 2010.
Rotondo also coached at Bensalem High School from 1996-2000. He took over a program that won three games in 1995, and turned the team into the 11th ranked team in the state of Pennsylvania in 2000. He was named the Bucks County Courier Times Coach of the Year in 1998 and 2000.
Prior to his time at Bensalem, Rotondo was a Player/Coach for Bucks County Community College from 1992-1993. During those two years the team won the EPCC Championships.
Rotondo is also a member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and is also an USA Volleyball Coaching Accreditation Program III Certified Coach, one of approximately 50 across the country. In addition, he is also an USA Volleyball High Performance Coach for A2 Youth Program. Rotondo is a Gold Medal Squared (GMS) Level II Coach.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT JEFF ROTONDO
Chase Wassel: Former Holy Family University Player, 2018 AVCA All-American, NCAA Division II East Region Player of the Year, CACC Player of the Year, School Leader in kills, kills per set, points, and points per set
"I have had the pleasure of being coached by
Jeff Rotondo for seven years in both club and college. He's not only extremely knowledgeable about volleyball in general, but he's developed an extreme passion to grow the game each and every day. I do not think I have ever met such a dedicated, inspirational, passionate, genuine, and hardworking person like Coach Rotondo. The thing that puts Jeff above any coach I have ever encountered is that he works hard to ensure the development and growth of a player both on and off the court. Whether it is in regard to family, academics, faith, or volleyball, he makes sure the balance is consistent and beneficial. This allows athletes to pursue the sport they love, while growing through the process of life. He has worked tirelessly to bring the Holy Family University Volleyball program to its peak over the course of his career and has accomplished the unimaginable this past season. Although it saddens me to see him go, I know this opens the door to a wonderful opportunity. To the Rider University Volleyball program, you are in the hands of one of the best coaches in the country."
Todd Dagenais: Head Coach, University of Central Florida Women's Volleyball
"Jeff has prepared tirelessly for this opportunity. The entire athletic department is getting a completely unselfish, hardworking, team building coach with a plan and vision for success. He was instrumental in our success at UCF, and he will be a great leader and coach who will be an inspirational role model for his team."