NEW YORK, N.Y. – After more than a decade of dedicated service to the Hunter College women's volleyball program, head coach Andrew Woolward will be stepping away from his role, closing a chapter defined by growth, success, and an unwavering commitment to student-athlete development.
Woolward spent 11 seasons with the Hawks, beginning his tenure as an assistant coach before being elevated to head coach in 2021. Under his leadership, the program reached new heights, highlighted by a City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) championship in 2022, a milestone moment that cemented his impact on Hunter Athletics.
Throughout his time with the program, Woolward played an instrumental role in building a competitive culture while mentoring countless student-athletes both on and off the court. His leadership extended beyond wins and losses, fostering an environment centered on accountability, growth, and academic success.
"Coach Woolward has been a cornerstone of our women's volleyball program for over a decade," said Hunter College administration. "His passion for the game and dedication to our student-athletes helped shape the culture we see today. We are incredibly grateful for his contributions and the lasting impact he has made on our department."
Taking over the program will be Sean Salomons, who most recently served as Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the Hawks' women's volleyball team during the 2025 season, while also leading the men's volleyball program as head coach in 2026.
Salomons brings nearly a decade of coaching and program leadership experience to Hunter, with a strong background in building competitive teams and mentoring student-athletes. Prior to arriving at Hunter, he served as head coach for both the men's and women's volleyball programs at St. Joseph's University Brooklyn, where he guided the women's team to its first winning season since 2018 while maintaining a 100% graduation rate across both programs.
In addition to his collegiate experience, Salomons has been heavily involved at the high school and club levels. Since 2019, he has coached varsity boys' and girls' volleyball at Packer Collegiate Institute, leading the girls' program to multiple top-10 rankings among New York State private schools. He also serves as Director of the Supreme Basketball NYC AAU program, overseeing operations, coach development, and player advancement initiatives across the city.
A former dual-sport collegiate student-athlete at St. Joseph's University New York, Salomons earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice while serving as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Known for his emphasis on culture-building, recruiting, and holistic development, he is well-positioned to continue the program's upward trajectory.
"I'm incredibly honored to take over a program with such a strong foundation," said Salomons. "Coach Woolward built something special here, and I'm excited to continue that tradition while helping our student-athletes grow and compete at a high level."
As Hunter transitions into a new era, the department extends its deepest gratitude to Andrew Woolward for his 11 years of service and leadership, and looks forward to continued success under Salomons' guidance.
