FARMINGDALE, N.Y. | Farmingdale State College Director of Athletics, Tom Azzara, has announced the appointment of Brooke Cole as the next head coach of the women's volleyball program. Cole has served on the FSC staff since 2021 and most recently held the role of associate head coach.
Cole takes over following the departure of Kellie Block, who led the Rams from September 2021 through the 2025 season. Block compiled a 73-41 (.640) career record, including a 46-9 (.846) mark in Skyline Conference play.
Cole joined the Rams as an assistant coach before being promoted to associate head coach. During her time with the program, she has helped in practice planning, match preparation, recruiting, and athlete development.
In addition to her work at FSC, Cole has been a director and coach with Academy Volleyball since its inception in 2004. Academy Volleyball provides technical, tactical, and physical training for athletes at various levels, and offers a development model that includes competition schedules, academic guidance, and instruction for athletes ranging from elementary school through high school.
"We are excited to have Brooke lead our women's volleyball program," said Azzara. "She has been a valued member of our coaching staff for several seasons and has a strong understanding of our program and student-athletes. We look forward to her transition into the head coaching role."
"I'm honored for the opportunity to lead this program," said Cole, who received her Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University at Buffalo in 1994, and her Master's Degree in Education from Dowling College in 2010. "Farmingdale State has become home to me, and I'm excited to help our student-athletes grow, compete, and reach their full potential on and off the court."
Cole and her husband, Rick, reside in Oakdale, New York. Rick is the Vice President and Director of Athletics at Hofstra University. They have three children, Taylor, Mackenzie, and Trey, who each played Division I collegiate volleyball. Taylor was a defensive specialist at Iona University before completing her graduate year at Duke University. Mackenzie was the 2021 ACC Defensive Player of the Year at Duke before completing her graduate studies at UCLA. Trey played at Pepperdine University, where he was named a Freshman All-American by Off the Block and was part of the U.S. Men's Under-21 National Training Team. Trey is currently a consultant volleyball coach at the University of Texas in Austin.
