NEW ROCHELLE, NY - Iona University Director of Athletics Matt Glovaski announced the hiring of Andy Russo as head coach of the Gaels' softball program. Russo joins Iona after 13 seasons as a full-time member of the LIU softball staff, including serving as interim head coach in 2025, when he guided the Sharks to the Northeast Conference regular season championship.
"We are thrilled to welcome Andy Russo to the Iona family," said Glovaski. "Andy brings a wealth of experience at the Division I level, a proven track record in player development, and an outstanding ability to recruit and mentor student-athletes. His energy, vision, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our culture at Iona."
Russo's tenure at LIU included eight seasons as assistant coach (2013-2021) and three as associate head coach (2021-2024) before taking over as interim head coach in 2025. He first joined the program in 2008 as a volunteer assistant. His work with the Sharks' hitters helped the 2020-21 squad achieve a No. 2 national ranking in batting average, trailing only Oklahoma and Texas. Russo's wide-ranging responsibilities included defensive coordination, video breakdown, scouting reports, game strategy, academic monitoring, and national recruiting coordination.
During Russo's tenure, LIU enjoyed sustained success, capturing three Northeast Conference Tournament championships (2008, 2016, 2023) and four NEC regular season titles (2008, 2016, 2019, 2025). The Sharks' coaching staff, with Russo as a key member, earned NEC Coaching Staff of the Year honors three times (2016, 2019, 2025). Under his guidance, 57 student-athletes garnered All-NEC recognition, with nine earning major conference awards, including Golden Glove winners in 2018 and 2024, NEC Pitchers of the Year in 2008, 2016 and 2019, NEC Player of the Year in 2016, NEC Rookie of the Year in 2019, and NEC Most Improved Player honors in both 2018 and 2019.
Before joining LIU, Russo spent four seasons as an assistant coach at St. John's University (2009–2012), serving as hitting coach and working with infielders. He helped guide the program to two Big East Championship appearances and mentored six student-athletes who earned All-Big East honors, including 2012 Big East Player of the Year Kacee Cox. That same season, he played a key role in leading the Red Storm to its first Big East Tournament victory since 1990, contributing to the team's competitive rise through his work with the offense and infield defense.
"I am honored and excited to lead the Iona softball program," said Russo. "From my first conversations with the administration, I felt their passion and commitment to building something special here. I look forward to developing our student-athletes on and off the field, competing for championships, and creating a program our community will be proud of."
In addition to his collegiate coaching career, Russo has been a clinician on the national level and founded the Central Jersey Tornado Girls Fastpitch Softball Organization, a non-profit travel ball program that produced more than a dozen collegiate players under his guidance. He also has extensive experience in business ownership and management.
A native of New Jersey, Russo attended Middlesex County College, where he majored in business administration. He resides in Manalapan with his wife, Andrea, and is the proud father of Sam and Joe, and grandfather to JJ and Dominic.
