Albany, NY--The Sage Colleges’ department of athletics has announced the selection of James Pompeo (Flemington, NJ) to the position of head men’s volleyball coach. A 2013 graduate of Kean University, Pompeo is no stranger to Sage’s men’s volleyball program. 

Pompeo said of his selection, “As for my selection, I'm very excited about the opportunity.” He added, “Volleyball has always been a passion of mine and after ending my career as a student-athlete I just couldn't let the sport go. Kean University was gracious enough to give me an assistant position working with a couple of great coaches, Don Perkins and Charlie Ginex, and I took full advantage of it.”

He inherits a Sage team that won the 2013 ECAC Division III North Championship after a school-record 30-7 campaign. The Gators were nationally ranked in a number of statistical categories as well last year and return a number of players from last year’s team that finished as the Skyline Conference Runners-up. As a team, the Gators ranked No. 5 in the team statistics in both aces per set (1.84) and win-loss percentage (0.811). The 2013 Gators were ranked in the Top 20 in five team categories. The Gators finished the season ranked No. 14 in kills per set average (12.1), while ranking No. 15 in digs per set (10.41) and No. 16 in assists per set average (11.18) and No. 16 as well in blocks per set (2.15). Sage also ranked 20th in Division III with a 0.238 hitting percentage in 2013.

"We are excited to have James take over the reins of our men's volleyball program,” noted Director of Athletics, Dani Drews.  She added, “Our student-athletes are eager to pick up right where they left off last year.  I am confident that James brings the knowledge and passion for the game to lead them to even greater heights in the coming years."

Pompeo continued, “Sage’s athletic department made me feel like The Sage Colleges was a place that I could grow and succeed just like the student-athletes we coach. It is nice to be part of an organization that makes you feel that way. I am very happy and excited to be a Gator!”

As a player, Pompeo excelled at Kean University a member of the Skyline Conference in men’s volleyball and the two-time defending Skyline Conference champions. He played two seasons at Kean and helped the young team serving as a team captain for the 2011 and 2012 season. During that time with the Cougars, he played in 59 matches recording 128 kills and 21 blocks.  In addition, he tallied 225 digs, while contributing with 155.5 points. As a senior, he led the team to the Skyline Conference Championship and a spot in the inaugural NCAA Division III Men’s Volleyball Tournament.

Last season, he transitioned from his role at Kean as a player and served as an assistant coach with the Cougars. He was part of a coaching staff that led Kean to a 26-8 overall record after once again winning the Skyline Conference Championship, but also advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2013 NCAA Division III Men’s Volleyball Championship. 

He is a cum laude graduate of Kean University, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in English and Writing. In 2012, he was the recipient of the NCAA Academic Achievement Award after excelling in the classroom and on the hardwood.

A graduate of Hunterdon Central Regional High School, he was a four-year letterwinner in boys’ volleyball before attending Kean.