Coaching Staff
Matt Giufre
Head Coach
Head coach Matt Giufre is in his sixth season at the helm for the Hawks in 2007. In his first five seasons, Giufre has built the Hawks into one of the rising programs in the region. He has coached 14 All-State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) selections, in addition to the 2006 Player and Rookie of the year. Coach Guifre has compiled an overall record of 113-78 in his five years and has earned SUNYAC coach of the year recognition in 2004 and 2006.
In 2006, the team completed the season with a 26-12 record. The Hawks claimed the East Division title for the first time in the history of the program with a 9-1 record and received a bye in the first round of the SUNYAC tournament before being eliminated by Geneseo in the semifinals. New Paltz received the third seed in the ECAC Upstate tournament and defeated Russell Sage in the first round 3-0 and RIT 3-2 in the semifinals before falling to the University of Rochester 3-2 in the finals.
In 2005, the Hawks finished in second place in the Eastern Division of the SUNYAC with an 8-2 conference record. The Hawks were eliminated in the semifinals of the SUNYAC Tournament by Brockport. Giufre guided his team to a 29-12 overall record and an appearance in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Upstate Tournament, where the Hawks finished second.
In 2004, the Hawks were 7-3 in conference play, finished 27-11 overall and made an appearance in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Upstate Tournament. SUNY New Paltz was ranked as high as sixth in the New York State Women's Collegiate Athletic Association (NYSWCAA) poll and equaled the program's highest win total since 1999.
Prior to his appointment at SUNY New Paltz, Giufre spent four years as the assistant women's volleyball coach at perennial national championship contender SUNY Cortland. During that time, the Red Dragons compiled an impressive 132-34 record, reached the NCAA Division III Tournament all four years and advanced to the quarterfinals in 1998 and 2000.
In addition to his coaching duties, Giufre is an active member of the NCAA Regional Advising Committee, the AVCA Top 25 Voting Committee and the AVCA All-America Awards Committee.
Giufre is a 1998 graduate of SUNY Cortland where he earned a degree in physical education. He received his master's degree in health education from SUNY Cortland in 2002.
Contact Matt Giufre at ext. 3919 or giufrem@newpaltz.edu.
Kristin Fiorillo
Assistant Coach
Kristin Fiorillo begins her first season as the assistant women's volleyball coach at SUNY New Paltz. Fiorillo will assist Head Coach Matt Giufre with match strategy, player development, practice preparation and recruiting.
Fiorillo was four-year player at Division I University of Albany. In four years her team compiled a conference record of 43-9, were three time America East regular season champions, two time America East Conference Champions, and made two NCAA tournament appearances.
Fiorillo was named to the America East All-Academic Team in 2003 and 2006 and was selected to the All NYS Volleyball Team in 2003.
She was the recipient of the Athletic Scholarship in 2006-2007, the most improved award at the conclusion of her sophomore season and captained the team in the 2006 season.
Fiorillo coaching experience includes working with the North Country Albany Juniors Volleyball Club, ages 14U, 16U and 18U. She has worked volleyball camps for the University of Albany, Massachusetts, Power Volleyball in Virgina, and Coastal Carolina.
Fiorillo earned her bachelors degree in psychology in May of 2007.
Contact Kristin Fiorillo at ext. 3919 or fiorillk@newpaltz.edu.
Lisa Mason
Assistant Coach
Lisa Mason is currently in her third season as an assistant coach with the Hawks. She graduated from New Paltz in 2004 with a degree in Psychology.
While a student, Lisa participated on the Women’s Volleyball and Softball teams. As a defensive specialist in Volleyball, Lisa amassed 236 service aces (first all-time) and 752 digs. She is currently third in games played with 415.
As an assistant coach, Lisa works individually with the defensive players and helps develop team defensive principles. She also coordinates side out charts during matches, communicating with our setters as to what is working best during a particular match. Her experience as a student-athlete and knowledge of volleyball has proven to be invaluable in the development of our players.
Lisa is currently a graduate student at Goddard College in Plainfield, VT, where she is studying to be a school Guidance Counselor.
Contact Lisa Mason at ext. 3919.
Kate Roche
Assistant Coach
Former New Paltz volleyball player, Kate Roche begins her first season on the sidelines as an assistant coach. Roche graduated in 2007, after four outstanding years for the Hawks. She finished her career with 326 blocks, 455 kills and 99 service aces.
Contact Kate Roche at ext. 3919.