LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D'Argenio has announced the hiring of Simone Asque as the eighth head coach in Siena Volleyball history. An accomplished collegiate and professional playing standout who also possesses seven years of Division I coaching experience, Asque takes the reins of the Saints after spending the past four seasons as the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Seton Hall University.
 
"We are excited to welcome Coach Asque to the Siena family," said D'Argenio. "She is someone who stood out as an outstanding candidate from the very beginning of this process. While she has been recognized as a young, rising star in the profession, her playing and coaching success speaks for itself, and has prepared her for this opportunity. Simone has a proven background of recruiting talented student athletes, but her strongest asset is her ability to coach with passion and empathy, while actively engaging her teams. She will be a tremendous partner as we continue to enhance the student athlete experience through a culture of support."
 
Asque takes the helm of the Siena Volleyball program with a strong resume of success at the collegiate, professional, and coaching levels. An All-ACC standout during her decorated collegiate playing career at the University of Virginia, she went on to play professionally for three seasons in Europe, and currently serves as a team captain for the Jamaican National Team. Asque has served on the coaching staffs at four Division I institutions – Seton Hall University (2018-21), Coastal Carolina University (2017), New Jersey Institute of Technology (2016), and the University of Illinois Chicago (2015).
 
"First and foremost, I would like to thank (Siena College President) Dr. Gibson, John D'Argenio, Angie Jabir, and the rest of the hiring committee for selecting me to be the next head volleyball coach for Siena College," remarked Asque. "I am humbled, appreciative, and grateful to be charged with leading the Siena College Volleyball program, and to be a member of the Siena community."
 
Asque joins the Saints following a four-year stint as the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Seton Hall under the direction of Allison Yaeger. She aided in the recruitment and development of both a pair of First Team All-BIG EAST selections (Tsvetelina Ilieva – 2020, Abbey Thelen – 2018) and BIG EAST All-Freshman Team honorees (Ilieva – 2020, Taylor Jakubowski – 2020). The Pirates also produced a pair of BIG EAST Team Academic Excellence Awards during her time in South Orange.
 
While at Seton Hall, Asque was selected in Dec. 2020 as one of just six coaches nationally to receive a prestigious Pac-12 Diversity Mentorship. She was paired with two-time National Champion (2018, 2019) Stanford Head Coach Kevin Hambly for the program, whose purpose is to educate and prepare the next generation of minority coaches through access and hands-on experience with Pac-12 coaches, who recognize that there is a need for a more diverse coaching pool in the sport within the Conference and across the country. Additionally, just last month, Asque was also named to the Advancement of Blacks in Sports (ABIS) Volleyball Black Coaches Watch List, which recognizes outstanding volleyball coaches who are deserving and prepared to take the next step in their careers.
 
Asque enjoyed an impactful season as the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Coastal Carolina, which she helped guide to the 2017 Sun Belt Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championships. The Chanticleers posted a 20-8 overall record including a 15-1 league mark, while achieving a 14-match winning streak heading into the NCAA Tournament. Asque helped mentor and develop Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year and AVCA All-Region selection Leah Hardeman.
 
Asque began her collegiate coaching career as a volunteer assistant coach at UIC in 2015, before moving on to NJIT to serve as the top assistant coach during the 2016 season.
 
Asque has played professionally for the past decade, and has been a member of the Jamaican National Team since 2014, where she currently serves as a team captain. She led Jamaica to the Bronze Medal at the 2014 World Championship Qualifier, where she was awarded Best Server, and also guided her squad to a pair of second-place finishes at the Caribbean Volleyball Championships (2014, 2017). Asque played professionally for three seasons in Europe, competing for the Bratislava Volleyball Club in Slovakia (2014-15), the Brondby Volleyball Club in Denmark (2013-14), and the Apollon Volleyball Team in Cyprus (2012-13). She was named the Top Outside Hitter in the Danish Volleyball League after leading Brondby to the Danish League Championship.
 
Asque was a collegiate standout at the highest level, where she entered this past season ranked fourth all-time in program history in kills per set (3.48) and fifth in kills (1,442) while starring at the University of Virginia (2008-11). A 2009 First Team All-ACC and a 2008 All-ACC Freshman Team selection, she was also named to the 2011 All-ACC Academic Team. Asque was a three-time VASID All-State Team honoree (2009-11), and a two-time COBRA Magazine All-East Region awardee (2010-11).
 
A 2012 graduate of the University of Virginia with her B.A. in Psychology, Asque earned her Master's in Psychological Studies in Sports and Exercise Psychology from Seton Hall last month. A native of Chicago, Asque and her husband, Ethan Favia, were wed last June.
 
"In my role as head coach, I look forward to supporting and inspiring phenomenal young women on their way to greatness," added Asque. "I am fully invested in empowering our student athletes to see what their dedication, strength, and mindset can unlock for them on and off the court. Given Siena College Volleyball's winning history, illustrious alumni base, and the established support of the Siena Athletics community, I am excited to work towards Siena's 10^th MAAC Volleyball Championship. My husband and I are excited to join the Capital Region community, and look forward to calling Siena College home. March On!
 
Asque inherits a storied Siena Volleyball program which has won nine MAAC Tournament Championships (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2014).
 
What They're Saying About Coach Asque
"Siena is getting someone exceptional with the hiring of Simone. I believe they are catching a future star at the beginning of their head coaching career. Simone will bring energy and competitiveness to the program. She knows how to recruit, train, and is a tireless worker who will provide an excellent experience for the student athletes at Siena. All in all, this is a perfect match for both parties. I look forward to following Siena's success!"
Kevin Hambly – Head Coach, Stanford University (2018, 2019 National Champions)
 
"Simone had a significant impact on our volleyball program and student athletes during her four years in South Orange. She is a highly regarded young coach who has a great mind for the game, and is ready to be a head coach."
Bryan Felt – Director of Athletics and Recreational Services, Seton Hall University
 
"I'm excited for Simone to get the opportunity to become a head coach, and continue on her journey in the volleyball coaching world. Simone's attention to detail and knowledge of the game give me the confidence that she'll be a great asset for the Siena Volleyball program for years to come."
Allison Yaeger – Head Coach, Seton Hall University
 
"Simone has excellent knowledge of the game, coaching skills, and a tremendous work ethic. She can recruit quality student athletes, and her relationship building skills will help her be a great mentor to her team. As a first assistant at Coastal Carolina, her role was crucial for us winning the 2017 Sun Belt Conference Championship. I am sure she will establish a successful program at Siena College."
Jozsef Forman – Head Coach, Coastal Carolina University