PATCHOGUE, N.Y. – St. Joseph's University, New York (L.I.) Director of Athletics Melody Cope announced on Monday that Bill Kropp has retired as head coach of the Golden Eagles men's volleyball program, effective June 8, 2026.
Kropp concludes his tenure as one of the most accomplished coaches in program history after building the Golden Eagles into a perennial conference champion and national tournament contender. Over 10 seasons at the helm, he compiled a 201-74 overall record, good for a .738 winning percentage, while guiding the program to six Skyline Conference regular-season championships, seven Skyline Conference Tournament titles, and seven NCAA Tournament appearances.
"Coach Kropp has had a tremendous impact on St. Joseph's University and our men's volleyball program," said Cope. "From the moment he arrived, he established a culture centered on excellence, accountability, and student-athlete development. His leadership helped build our program into one of the premier programs in the Skyline Conference and a consistent presence on the national stage. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication, commitment, and the countless ways he has positively influenced our student-athletes and the SJLI community. His legacy will be felt for many years to come."
As the founding head coach of the men's volleyball program, Kropp laid the foundation for sustained success from the program's inception. Under his leadership, the Golden Eagles captured Skyline Conference Tournament championships in 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, earning NCAA Tournament appearances in each of those seasons.
The program enjoyed its most dominant stretch during the latter half of Kropp's tenure, winning six consecutive Skyline Conference regular-season championships from 2021 through 2026 and five straight Skyline Conference Championship Tournament titles from 2022 through 2026 while establishing itself as one of the region's premier Division III programs.
Kropp's teams consistently excelled both individually and collectively throughout his decade leading the Golden Eagles. During his tenure, 40 student-athletes earned All-Conference recognition and three garnered All-Region honors, reflecting the program's commitment to athletic excellence and player development.
For his efforts, Kropp was named Skyline Conference Coach of the Year seven times, earning the honor in 2017, 2018, and each season from 2022 through 2026. His success at St. Joseph's further added to an already distinguished coaching career that has left a lasting impact on volleyball throughout Long Island and beyond.
Prior to arriving at St. Joseph's, Kropp amassed more than 350 victories as the boys volleyball coach at Sachem East High School and was inducted into both the New York Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Sachem Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the sport.
Reflecting on his coaching career and time at St. Joseph's, Kropp expressed gratitude for those who helped shape the program's success.
"I am especially grateful for the incredible staff of administrators, coaches, and athletic trainers who have made this journey so rewarding," said Kropp. "Their professionalism, dedication, and support have helped create an environment where our student-athletes could thrive both on and off the court. As I step away from coaching, I do so with tremendous appreciation and pride in what we have accomplished together. I wish the men's volleyball program continued success in the years ahead and look forward to transitioning from coach to enthusiastic fan of St. Joseph's athletics."
The St. Joseph's University Long Island community extends its sincere gratitude to Coach Kropp for his decade of leadership, dedication, and commitment to the men's volleyball program. His influence on generations of student-athletes, countless championship moments, and the foundation he established for future success will remain an enduring part of Golden Eagles athletics.
