Pina’s teams have produced an overall 153-159 record, including an 8-15 record last season. The Violets advanced to their second straight NCAA Tournament berth in 2005, while several of Pina’s players earned individual honors. Junior Chris Schmidt and sophomore Macnair Sillick were named American Volleyball Coaches’ Association (AVCA) Division III First Team All-America, while senior Leeor Alon earned AVCA Division III Second Team All-America honors. Sillick was named to the EIVA Division III First Team, while Alon, Schmidt, and freshman Jon Wintermeyer were selected to the EIVA Division III Second Team.
The accolades also carried over into the classroom last season, as Schmidt was selected to the EIVA All-Academic Team.
Pina began his coaching career as an assistant under NYU`s Mike Michalakis from 1991-93. The Violets earned an NCAA Tournament bid in 1992.
A two-year captain and four-year starter for NYU`s club volleyball team, Pina earned his bachelor`s degree in economics in 1987. NYU`s volleyball program began playing at the varsity level in 1989.
An eight-time member of New York City`s Empire State Games volleyball team, Pina continues to play recreationally.
Above all, Pina`s heart lies with an NYU volleyball program that he has helped to build into one of the best in the nation.
"NYU provides an educational experience unlike any other school," Pina said. "Our location, our faculty and our student body are the university`s strongest assets. I believe it is truly one of the best places in the country for a student-athlete to continue his academic career. On top of this, we continue to build one of the top volleyball programs in the nation and provide student-athletes from all over the nation a chance to study and play in the greatest city in the world."
A native of Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Pina, his wife Patricia and their two-year old daughter Gabrielle currently reside in Manhattan.
