BENNINGTON, Vt. - Southern Vermont College has appointed Carmine Garofalo as the head coach of the men's and women's volleyball program. Garofalo joins the SVC coaching staff with nearly 20 years of coaching experience including a Coach of the Year Award at Vanier College, numerous tournament championships, and a spot in the Final Four Southern Region while coaching for Florida International University to name a few achievements.

"I cannot express how excited I am to have Coach Garofalo join our team of coaches," said Director of Athletics Christina Cruz. "His impressive eclectic background is unique to our department and fills several crucial developmental gaps needed to enhance athletics at SVC. I believe Carmine's expertise on and off the court will greatly assist us as we work toward our mission, which at this time is quite simply to grow and win."

Aside from his extensive background in athletics he is a health advocate as the president and founder of Partners for Healthy Kids, which is dedicated to helping kids live happier, healthier and longer lives by promoting healthier choices. In addition, Garofalo served as a physical education teacher for seven years, is a certified financial planner, and has served as a motivational speaker at several events.

"With great academics at an affordable price, a beautiful location and a commitment to athletic excellence, SVC has so much to offer any student-athlete," said Garofalo of the College. "I am looking forward with excitement to being part of the Southern Vermont College family and leading our men and women to the next level of success."

Garofalo holds USAV CAP II and Canadian Volleyball Coaching Level III certifications.  Most recently he was the head coach of Southeast High School in Bradenton, Florida where in five seasons he built a successful program, posting the highest winning percentages in the 30 year history of the program with finishes of .700 in 2007 and .750 in 2008.

The SVC women's volleyball squad is coming off a challenging 2008 season going winless in its 23 matches but has a strong past with several .500 seasons in previous years giving Garofalo the added confidence that he can build a strong program, "What really got me excited about the position was the opportunity to for me to build a women's and men's volleyball program that has the potential in a short period of time to do great things," said Coach Garofalo. "I love building programs and taking teams to the next level of play. I've done that numerous times in my career and feel my coaching style, expertise and philosophy will help our Mountaineers quickly move up the Conference (NECC) ladder." 

With a desire to live closer to family Garofalo sees Southern Vermont College as a good place to return to collegiate athletics, "Although I've lived in Florida for the last 14 years, my wife and I both grew up in Quebec Canada and miss the cooler weather, four seasons, mountains, and winter skiing!" Garofalo was born in Italy, raised in Quebec, Canada, and moved to Florida in 1995 exposing him to a variety of cultures as he speaks fluent Italian, French and English.

Garofalo, his wife Sylvie, and three children Amanda (18), Anthony (17), and Riccardo (7) are looking  forward to moving North for SVC because of what it offers to every prospective student, "Academically, SVC offers great programs and a safe, intimate environment that promotes and facilitates learning and academic excellence," said Garofalo. "I particularly like the personal attention students receive and a learning philosophy that is based on real life, hands on experiences!"

If you are interested in contacting Coach Garofalo about the men's and women's volleyball teams please call 802.447.4657 or email him at cgarofalo@svc.edu. Founded in 1926, Southern Vermont College offers a career-enhancing, liberal arts education with 21 academic degree programs for approximately 500 students. Southern Vermont College recognizes the importance of educating students for the workplace of the twenty-first century and for lives as successful leaders in their communities. SVC Athletics is part of the New England Collegiate Conference for more information go to www.svcathletics.com. The college is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.