ONEONTA, N.Y. - Hartwick College Executive Director of Athletics, Paul Vecchio has announced Joshua Bigford as the inaugural Men's Volleyball Head Coach, effective immediately.

Bigford looks to further bolster his coaching resume, after having helped the Women's Volleyball program clinch Empire 8 Tournament berths, as well earning the first regional ranking in program history in his first two years as assistant coach.

During his playing days at St. John Fisher, Josh was a four-year standout player, earning an All-American nod in all four years while ranking at the top of the program for most kills in a Cardinal career.

"I want to thank Paul Vecchio for giving me this opportunity to lead this program, " remarked Bigford. " Hartwick has felt like home since the moment I got to campus working with the women's program. I am very excited to have the chance to grow the men's game while remaining at Hartwick. I also want to thank Janet Donovan for all her guidance along with the members of the women's team for making this such an enjoyable experience at Hartwick."

"I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to hire Josh Bigford as our first men's volleyball head coach, " said Executive Director of Athletics, Paul Vecchio. " Josh's reputation as a Division III men's volleyball player – being a four-time All-American at Empire 8 peer St. John Fisher – as well as his deep ties to boy's volleyball across the state and region as a coach and still active player – will position us well to be successful. Josh's work with our women's volleyball program – which earned our first regional ranking and produced our first All-American this fall – has been noteworthy and I can't wait to see what he will do in building our men's program."

Bigford is set to take the reins of the Men's Volleyball program, with things getting underway in 2025-2026. There are currently 107 NCAA Division III Men's Volleyball programs with five conference members competing in the Empire 8.

For more information regarding the Men's Volleyball program, please reach out to Head Coach , Joshua Bigford - bigfordj@hartwick.edu 

About Hartwick College:

Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.