Hempstead, NY – Hofstra University Head Baseball Coach John Russo, the all-time winningest coach in program history, announced today he is retiring from coaching at the University to spend more time with his family.
“I am very proud of all we accomplished here at Hofstra,” stated Russo. “I have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible student-athletes and coaches that wore the Hofstra uniform. Hofstra is a special place and I will look back fondly at my 13 years at the University. I am excited to take the next step in my journey, and I know how fulfilling it will be to have more time with my children and wife – and maybe even dabble in some little league coaching. Thank you Hofstra for the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“We are grateful to John for his unwavering support and dedication to the Hofstra baseball program over the past 13 years,” commented Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. “John has worked tirelessly during his tenure to provide our student-athletes with a first-class experience and we thank him for all he has done for our program.”
Russo, who led the Pride for 10 seasons and amassed 190 victories, concluded his Hofstra career with a 17-win campaign in the COVID-shortened 2021 season.
In total, Russo spent 13 seasons on the Pride coaching staff, joining the staff in 2009 as an assistant coach before taking the helm of the program in 2012. During his first season, Russo led the team to a school record 34 wins and the No. 2 seed in the Colonial Athletic Association Championship with a 20-10 conference mark.
During Russo’s career at Hofstra he saw 10 players signed by Major League Baseball teams, including six that were drafted.
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