Steven Verbridge Announced as Next Head Coach of Men's Volleyball Program

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) Athletics Department proudly announces the appointment of Steven Verbridge as the new Head Coach of the Men's Volleyball program. With an impressive coaching background and a commitment to fostering excellence, Verbridge brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and a proven coaching philosophy to guide the FLCC Men's Volleyball team who is coming off a win in the 2023 NJCAA Men's Volleyball National Invitational Championship.

Verbridge readily acknowledged the contributions of Andrew Solomon, the current coach of the FLCC women's volleyball team and the inaugural coach for the men's program. For Verbridge, it wasn't hard to give credit where it was clearly deserved, "Coach Solomon did an amazing job in the program's first year, and I am looking to only help grow the program from where he has taken it...We are in an area where there is tremendous volleyball talent all around us", he explained, highlighting the wealth of opportunities in the region and Section V.

Verbridge's coaching journey has continuously reflected his dedication to volleyball and student-athlete development. With two years as an assistant coach and six years as the head coach of the Canandaigua Academy boys' varsity program, Verbridge made a lasting impact on the program. In his debut season, Verbridge tripled the program's win total in its previous two years combined, setting the tone for growth and success. Notably, his second season in 2017 marked a milestone year for Canandaigua, as he steered the team to a 17-5 record; their first winning season since 1995. The 2017 teams' achievements were recognized by the Daily Messenger as one of the standout stories in Section V that year.

Verbridge's dedication resulted in an overall record of 76-52, including a set record of 258-194, positioning himself as second all-time in wins in Canandaigua Academy boys' volleyball history.

Understanding the importance of the classroom as an education, under Verbridge's leadership, the Canandaigua Academy boys' volleyball program not only achieved on the court but also excelled academically. With over forty scholar-athletes during his tenure, the team earned recognition as a scholar-athlete team numerous times; underscoring Verbridge's comprehensive player development strategy.

In addition to his impactful coaching career, Verbridge has extended his influence on other sports. He coached the girls' modified A team at Canandaigua Academy and led modified baseball teams in various capacities for nine years. Beyond coaching, Verbridge is a respected educator, serving as a teacher at Waterloo Middle School.

Verbridge's passion for sports extends beyond coaching and teaching, as he officiates football, basketball, and baseball at both the high school and collegiate levels.

A proud alumnus of FLCC in 2010, Verbridge 10' furthered his education with a Physical Education Degree from SUNY Brockport in 2012, followed by an Athletic Administration degree in 2014. "I was ecstatic when I learned that FLCC would be having a men's volleyball program...FLCC is rich in academics and has tremendous facilities" Said Verbridge who went on to add, "My goal for the program is to be one that helps represent our community and college in a way that makes others want to be a part of our culture, our college, and our community".

"With proven expertise, commitment to mentorship, and dedication to fostering excellence, the FLCC Athletics Department eagerly anticipates the positive impact Coach Verbridge will make on the FLCC Men's Volleyball program", said Director of Athletics, Samantha Boccacino