Entering his second season as an assistant coach with the New York University men’s volleyball team, Chris Pinto will continue to assist with game preparation, practice organization and off-season training programs. He will also help monitor the players’ academic progress and be involved in all aspects of recruiting and talent evaluation.
Pinto’s first season at NYU represented a breakthrough for the program: the Violets went 23-8 (their second-most victories ever), 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 Division III Poll.
Pinto arrived in Washington Square after having served as the head volleyball coach at Walt Whitman High School in South Huntington, NY, since 2004. He was named Suffolk County Coach of the Year and led Whitman to division championships in 2004-06. His squad also earned the New York State Scholar Athlete Team Award in 2006.
Pinto, who has also coached at the Empire State Games, recently completed a mentorship program at Athlete’s Performance, a state-of-the-art training facility in Tempe, Arizona, which focuses on sport-specific training methods. He holds certification in personal training, professional coaching and advanced nutrition, and is the founder and director of Performance Fitness, a strength and conditioning facility in Smithtown, NY.
“He brings a strong volleyball background, as well as superb credentials as a trainer of professional and amateur teams and athletes,” NYU head coach Jose Pina said. “Chris is a local guy whose previous involvement in the juniors system will allow us to continue our strong nationwide recruiting success.”
A 2005 graduate of C.W. Post University with a degree in physical education, Pinto will also serve as the strength and conditioning coach for the NYU women’s volleyball team.
A native of South Huntington, Pinto resides in Huntington Station, NY.
