The School of Education Celebrates the Achievements of its Italian American Community Members
Joanne Persico signing a donated volleyball during OSDIA’s 59th Biennial National Convention. Photo courtesy of Robin Haden.
August 29, 2025
Joanne Persico ’93MBA, ’09PD Head Coach, Women’s Volleyball, was recently inducted into the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday, August 14, during the 59th Biennial National Convention held at the Grand Cypress Hyatt Regency in Orlando, FL.
A three-time BIG EAST Coach of the Year, Ms. Persico is no stranger to recognition for her accomplishments on the volleyball court and in the community. As the longtime leader of the Red Storm volleyball program, she joins a prestigious group of honorees, including current St. John's Hall of Fame Men's Basketball Head Coach, Rick Pitino (2001), and the legendary Lou Carnesecca (1989).
Ms. Persico is the first ever volleyball coach to receive this honor. She now stands alongside sports icons such as Yogi Berra, former New York Yankees catcher and 13-time World Series Champion; Mike Eruzione, captain of the gold medal-winning 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team; Geno Auriemma, Head Coach of UConn Women’s Basketball, and 12-time NCAA Champion, as recipients of the OSDIA Sports Award.
Additionally, she is the fourth woman ever to earn this accolade, which was established in 1985 to recognize the achievements of Italian Americans in sports who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service.
As she enters her 32nd season as the St. John’s Volleyball Head Coach, Ms. Persico is coming off her 14th 20-win season. This achievement led the Red Storm to qualify for their 13th BIG EAST Tournament and their third consecutive National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) appearance. The Red Storm also advanced to the NIVC Fab Four in 2024, marking the program's best-ever finish in a national postseason tournament. She received an advanced certificate in 2009 and is currently a doctoral candidate in the School of Education.
Convention guests pose for a photo with signed volleyballs from Joanne Persico. Photo courtesy of Robin Haden.
During the award luncheon, Ms. Persico raised more than $5,000 by signing donated volleyballs for event guests.
“It was an honor to induct yet another St. John’s legend into our OSDIA Sports Hall of Fame,” said Thomas A. Lupo, '70Ed, '75MBA, newly-elected OSDIA National President, adding that “for 40 years, OSDIA has recognized outstanding individuals for contributions to their field of sport.”
Also noteworthy in this community is Comm. Joseph Sciame ’71Ed, Chair of the Dean's School of Education Advisory Board and President of the Sons of Italy Foundation. 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.
Additionally, double alumna Carolyn Reres '62Ed, '66GEd, was elected as an OSDIA National Trustee for the State of New York.
Congratulations to all!
St. John’s alumni Carolyn Reres, Comm. Thomas A. Lupo, Joanne Persico, Comm. Joseph Sciame, and Justin Smith joined by OSDIA Immediate Past President Michael G. Polo. Photo courtesy of Robin Haden.
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