BRONXVILLE, N.Y.—Joel Sanchez has been named Sarah Lawrence College Men's Volleyball Head Coach, as announced by Director of Athletics and Physical Education Kristin Maile on Tuesday. Sanchez replaces Associate Director of Athletics Krishna Dass, who will remain at the helm of the Gryphons' women's volleyball team after one year leading both squads.

“Joel brings a wealth of expertise,” comments Maile. “His recruiting skills will be an asset to the men's volleyball program and to the College. He is well-connected in the volleyball community, and we look forward to having Joel as a part of our department.”

For the past eight years, Sanchez has coached volleyball programs at the high school, club and collegiate levels. Presently, he is the executive director of Legacy Volleyball Club, Inc., a non-profit youth empowerment organization established to promote the sport of volleyball to young athletes.

Sanchez is also the girls' volleyball head coach at New York City's Preston High School. His squad won the Catholic High School Athletic Association Archdiocesan (CHSAA) Division A championship in 2011. In 2012, the team had an undefeated season, winning Bronx/Westchester, Archdiocesan and CHSAA Division A titles.

Sanchez also serves as the Director and Head Coach of the Joel Sanchez Volleyball Camp, a skill-development camp for athletes ages 7-20.

Previously, Sanchez also served as Interim Head Coach at Lehman College, where he successfully guided the men's and women's volleyball programs to numerous CUNYAC Championship semifinals. He has also coached numerous high school and other club teams.

As a player, Sanchez was a standout player at Herbert H. Lehman High School and went on to play intercollegiate volleyball at Lehman College. He also played for the Bameso USA Volleyball Club, based out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

“I look forward to the opportunity to lead the team,” reflects Sanchez. “Sarah Lawrence men's volleyball is a young program, and recruiting will be a major component of the position. I am confident that I have the experience and knowledge to build and maintain the program, and it is with great anticipation and gratitude that I take over the coaching role.”

Sanchez will take over coaching and recruiting duties effective immediately. The Gryphons are slated to begin competing in early February. Full schedule details will be posted at www.GoGryphons.com when they are finalized.