The Johnson State College athletics department announced Joan Porambo as the head women's Volleyball coach effective immediately.  Porambo replaces Mark Kaufman who served six years as the only head coach the program has had since it began here in 2009.

Athletic Director, Jamey Ventura is looking forward to welcoming Porambo to the department. Ventura said, "Joan is eager to help the volleyball team hit some key developmental mile stones. We're excited to welcome Joan to our team and look forward to seeing what she will do for the program."

Prior to taking the helm at Johnson, Porambo was studying culinary arts at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.  Porambo works in Stowe, Vermont as a chef.  Porambo has been playing volleyball for  14 years, including her four years at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and has been coaching for seven years.

"I love this sport and am very passionate, not only about playing, but also coaching," Porambo said. "Over the years I have come to find I enjoy coaching even more than playing.  I was drawn to the Johnson volleyball program because of the passion and drive that the players have for their sport. My role will be to help structure their skills and harness their talent to develop this program to where I know it can be."

Johnson posted a  5-15 season this fall, and saw rising senior Breanna Laughlin named to First Team All-Conference.