Pinto Named Associate Head Coach of Men's Volleyball
New York University Men's Volleyball Assistant Coach Chris Pinto has been promoted to Associate Head Coach, NYU's Director of Athletics, Intramurals and Recreation Christopher Bledsoe announced on Monday.
Pinto, who has served as assistant men's volleyball coach since 2008, recently completed a very successful season as interim head coach of the NYU women's volleyball team. The squad went 38-6 overall and recorded an Elite Eight finish at the NCAA Division III Championship.
Chris Pinto is a loyal member of the coaching staff who provided valuable leadership in a time of transition,” Bledsoe said. “He filled a vital role as interim head coach for our women's volleyball team. He has been extremely loyal to NYU and the Department of Athletics, and we are very excited for the future. This is a home run for NYU volleyball and our student-athletes.”
NYU has gone 39-45 in Pinto's three seasons as assistant to Head Coach Jose Pina of the men's team. In Pinto's first season on the staff in 2008, the Violets recorded their second-highest win total ever, going 23-8. The squad reached the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) Tournament semifinals for the first time and finished the season ranked #5 in the CBS College Sports Network/American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Poll.
"We have a terrific men's volleyball program here at NYU and I'm proud to have been a part of it for the past three years," Pinto said. "I appreciate the opportunity of being promoted to Associate Head Coach and will continue to work hard to keep us successful on a national level."
NYU is set to join the United Volleyball Conference (UVC) in 2012, when the inaugural NCAA Division III Men's Volleyball Championship will be held.
“Spring 2012 is right around the corner. Coach Pina and Chris, in his new role, will lead NYU volleyball strongly into the new world of NCAA men's volleyball,” Bledsoe added.
Prior to becoming interim head coach of the women's team, Pinto spent two seasons as an assistant coach.
A 2005 graduate of C.W. Post University with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education, Pinto is a native of South Huntington, NY.