NEW ROCHELLE, NY – Patric Santiago announced his resignation as head coach of Iona College volleyball to accept a position as associate head coach at Duke University. Santiago spent three full seasons with the Gaels and was named the 2018 MAAC Coach of the Year after leading the Maroon & Gold to a conference regular season and tournament championships and an NCAA Tournament berth.

"I would love to thank Dr. Nyre, Matt Glovaski and Rick Cole for providing my family and I with the opportunity to work with such incredible student-athletes at such an incredible institution," said Santiago. "I truly valued my time here and will always consider myself a part of the Gael family."

"We wish nothing but the best for Coach Santiago as he takes this next step in his career," said Matthew Glovaski, director of athletics. "He elevated the program to new heights in his three years in New Rochelle, and we look forward to bringing on a new leader to take the baton and run with it."
 
Iona won its second ever league title in 2018, finishing the season with a 20-8 record. The Gaels also captured their third ever MAAC regular season title with a program-record 16 league wins. It was just the third 20-win season in program history. The Maroon & Gold played No. 12 Pittsburgh in 2018 NCAA Tournament
 
Santiago elevated his student-athletes and brought in impactful new talent. Claire Archibald '18 was named the 2018 MAAC Player of the Year and an AVCA East Coast Region honorable mention. Emma Rose '18 was the MAAC's Setter of the Year in 2018 and Jamie Smith '20 was 2017 MAAC Rookie of the Year.
 
In 2017 and 2018, Iona had two of its most efficient scoring seasons in team history. There are top-10 team total performances in kills, attack attempts, assists, service aces, reception percentage, points scored for both seasons.
 
Academically, the Gaels excelled inside the classroom and blended it on the court. Three members of the volleyball team where named to CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team. Archibald, Smith and redshirt junior Jessica Paolucci are the first members to represent the Gaels on the prestigious list. The Maroon & Gold had 17 representatives on the MAAC All-Academic Team over his two seasons.
 
Assistant Coach Nick Russo will serve as interim head coach as a national search for a replacement commences.

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