Texas Tech University Athletics
Jojit Coronel Named Assistant Volleyball Coach
January 21, 2011 | Women's Volleyball
Jan. 21, 2011
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech head volleyball coach Don Flora announced Friday the completion of his coaching staff with the hiring of former George Washington head coach Jojit Coronel as an assistant coach.
The head coach at George Washington the past 11 seasons, Coronel completes a Tech staff that already includes Beth Falls as the other assistant coach and Amy Gandy as the program's director of operations.
"Having an opportunity to add Jojit Coronel to the new Texas Tech staff is phenomenal," Flora said. "Jojit brings a wealth of coaching skills that will help the athletes, the staff as well as the entire program. He is also a consument professional. He will walk the walk every day and will help raise our national profile here at Texas Tech."
Coronel will assist in the day-to-day development of the program including scouting and recruiting. Known as one of the top strategists in the country, Coronel is well-known for his scouting reports and for the in-game adjustments his teams are able to make.
"My family and I are excited about the opportunity to join Texas Tech University and to work with Don and the great staff he has assembled," Coronel said. "I am thankful to Gerald Myers for trusting me and giving me this opportunity, and I'm looking forward to working with Judi Henry and Jody Roginson moving forward as well. This was a position that was great for my family and my career, and I look forward to helping raise Texas Tech's prestige in the Big 12 as well as nationally."
After a year as an assistant coach with the program, Coronel was elevated to GW's head coach in August 2000 and immediately found success in only his first season. The Colonials finished 25-6, winning the Atlantic-10 Championship to advance to the NCAA tournament, earning Coronel the A-10 Coach of the Year award as well as a selection as one of the regional coaches of the year by the AVCA.
Coronel (pronounced Joe-jit Core-nel) wrapped his 11-year career at George Washington with a 176-153 coaching mark, highlighted by six trips to the A-10 Championship and three 20-plus wins seasons.
Prior to joining George Washington, Coronel spent four seasons as the assistant coach for the men's volleyball program at the University of the Pacific, one of the top collegiate men's programs in the country.
Throughout his career, Coronel has been heavily involved with the USA national program, most recently leading the USA/Chesapeake Region High Performance teams. He has also served numerous stints as a volunteer coach and various internships, working with both the 2001 and 2003 USA men's national teams. He assisted and trained with the 2001 team that won the gold medal at the USA World University Games as well as the potential 2004 Athens Olympic team.
Coronel graduated in 1993 from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a degree in political science. He was a standout member of UCSD's volleyball team as both a setter and defensive specialist, leading the squad to a 74-42 record over four years and Pacific Coast Volleyball Association titles in 1989 and 1991.
Following his graduation, he served as the head coach for the men's program from 1993-95. During his career, he has been involved with several top junior club programs, including Team Santa Cruz, Nike Pacific Volleyball Club and DC Juniors.
A Los Angeles native, Coronel and his wife, Kimberly, have two young sons, Ethan and Drew.
