Iona College Director of Athletics
Matthew Glovaski named Esai Velez-Perez the new head coach of the Maroon & Gold volleyball program in the summer of 2019. Velez-Perez came to New Rochelle from Hofstra University.
"We are beyond excited to welcome Esai Velez-Perez to New Rochelle as our new volleyball head coach." Glovaski notes, "We've had immense success in the program over recent years and Gael Nation should be enthusiastic to see Velez-Perez continuing to carry the torch."
"This is a dream come true for me and my family in Puerto Rico. I am overjoyed to be named the head coach of the Iona volleyball program," commented Velez-Perez. "The sport of volleyball and working with outstanding student-athletes are my passions and I am honored to accept this role and to lead the Gaels. A special thank you to Director of Athletics
Matthew Glovaski and the entire administration at Iona College for entrusting me with this team."
Velez-Perez continues, "This program is in a great place and
Patric Santiago deserves an immense amount of credit for that. I look forward to getting on campus and engrossing myself within the Maroon & Gold community. Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn't thank my special Hofstra family who have meant so much to me over the last five years. Thanks so much to Emily Mansur, Cindy Lewis, Jay Artinian,
Rick Cole Jr. and Jeff Hathaway for their advice and guidance."
In his first season with the Maroon & Gold, Iona finished with a 5-23, 5-13 MAAC Record. The Gaels thrived outside the classroom with nine student-athletes being named to the MAAC All-Academic Team. Additionally, junior Taylor Cole was named to the CoSIDA All-District Division I First Team.
Year two, played in the Spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw the Maroon & Gold finish 3-7 overall and 3-6 against the MAAC. Iona's season came to a close in the opening round of the 2020-21 MAAC Championship at the hands of No. 3 Niagara.
Velez-Perez joined Gael Nation after five seasons as an assistant coach with the Pride. Hofstra won two Colonial Athletics Association conference championships, the first in his debut year in 2014, and the second coming in his last season with the program. The Pride won at least 18 games during his tenure, including 20+ games in four seasons. They had a 57-23 (.713) conference record and the program reached at least the CAA championship semifinals in each of Velez-Perez's seasons with the team.
While in Hempstead, Velez-Perez coached numerous Colonial award winners. In his five years, Velez-Perez helped coach 15 All-CAA Team members, including five first team honorees. The Pride had five freshmen named to the CAA All-Rookie Team and had two named the conference Rookie of the Year. There were also three Setter of the Year award winners and one Player of the Year victor.
The 2019 Pride volleyball program was honored with the NCAA Public Recognition Award as it had multi-year APRs in the top-10 of all teams within volleyball. It was the fourth time the program was recognized for the achievement.
While at Hofstra, Velez-Perez also served as an admissions counselor, where he aided the university in informational sessions, college fairs, campus tours, prospect interviews and the application process.
Outside of collegiate volleyball, Velez-Perez brings a wealth of experience at the club and international level.
Before joining the Pride, Velez-Perez spent five seasons as an assistant coach, scout and statistician for the Volleyball Federation of Puerto Rico. During his time, he was a part of one women's professional championship team in 2012 and two men's squads that raced to the finals. His duties with the organization included scouting national and international opponents, preparing both offensive and defensive game plans and forming individual practice plans for the athletes.
Additionally, in Puerto Rico, Velez-Perez was an assistant coach and statistician for three years with the Eastern University men's volleyball teams. His team won the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Liga Athletics University men's volleyball championships. In 2010, Velez-Perez helped the University of Puerto Rico women's volleyball team to a National University League Championship.
Since 2014, Velez-Perez has served as the head coach for three respective age groups with Club Ace Long Island Volleyball located out of Hempstead, New York. His years of experience aid in his various duties which include, but are not limited to, overseeing and mentoring assistant coaches, evaluating junior players, advising such players on the recruiting process and communicating with parents on matters such as skill development and travel itineraries.
Velez-Perez earned a degree in secondary education from the University of Puerto Rico and claimed a Master's degree in public affairs from Universidad del Este in 2013.
