Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

Joanne Persico, Head Coach of the St. John’s University women’s volleyball team, was inducted into the Order of Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) Sports Hall of Fame on August 14 during the organization’s 59th Biennial National Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Persico, a three-time BIG EAST Coach of the Year, is recognized for her long-standing leadership of the Red Storm volleyball program. She becomes the first volleyball coach to receive this honor and joins previous honorees such as Rick Pitino, current St. John’s Hall of Fame Men’s Basketball Head Coach; Lou Carnesecca; Yogi Berra; Mike Eruzione; and Geno Auriemma.

The OSDIA Sports Award was established in 1985 to honor Italian Americans in sports who have shown dedication to community service. Persico is only the fourth woman to receive this accolade.

As she begins her 32nd season with St. John’s Volleyball, Persico recently led her team through their 14th 20-win season, resulting in qualification for their 13th BIG EAST Tournament and a third consecutive appearance at the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC). The Red Storm reached the NIVC Fab Four in 2024, marking their best finish in a national postseason tournament. Persico earned an advanced certificate from St. John’s University in 2009 and is currently pursuing a doctorate at its School of Education.

At the award luncheon, Persico raised over $5,000 by signing donated volleyballs for attendees.

Also present at the event was Joseph Sciame, Chair of the Dean's School of Education Advisory Board at St. John's University and President of the Sons of Italy Foundation. Sciame commented on his connection to both institutions: “During the event, Mr. Sciame reflected nostalgically on St. John’s and OSDIA, two institutions that have been instrumental in his personal and professional life, which crossed paths once again at Ms. Persico’s award luncheon.”

Carolyn Reres was also recognized within this community as she was elected an OSDIA National Trustee for New York State.