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

Joanne Persico, Head Coach of Women’s Volleyball at St. John’s University, was inducted into the Order 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 is a three-time BIG EAST Coach of the Year and has led the Red Storm volleyball program for over three decades. She joins previous St. John’s honorees such as Men’s Basketball Head Coach Rick Pitino (2001) and Lou Carnesecca (1989). Persico is the first volleyball coach to receive this recognition and becomes part of a group that includes Yogi Berra, Mike Eruzione, and Geno Auriemma.

She is also only the fourth woman to be honored since the award was established in 1985 to recognize Italian Americans in sports who show commitment to community service.

As she begins her 32nd season at St. John’s, Persico recently completed her 14th 20-win season. Under her leadership, the team qualified for its 13th BIG EAST Tournament and reached its third consecutive National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC), advancing to the NIVC Fab Four in 2024 for their best-ever postseason finish. Persico earned an advanced certificate from St. John’s in 2009 and is currently a doctoral candidate at the School of Education.

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

The event also highlighted other members of St. John’s Italian American community. Joseph Sciame, Chair of the Dean's School of Education Advisory Board and President of the Sons of Italy Foundation, reflected on his long-standing ties with both St. John’s and OSDIA during remarks at the luncheon. Carolyn Reres was elected as an OSDIA National Trustee for New York State.