Chris Sullivan enters his first season as an assistant coach with the Manhattan University volleyball program in 2026.
Sullivan arrives in Riverdale after spending three seasons at Fordham University, where he played an integral role in player development, recruiting, scouting and defensive systems. During his tenure, he helped guide the Rams through one of the most successful stretches in program history while developing numerous All-Conference performers.
In 2025, Sullivan helped lead Fordham to a dominant season at the net, as the Rams finished first in the Atlantic 10 Conference in both blocks per set and total blocks. Under his guidance, Fordham ranked fifth nationally in blocks per set and 24th nationally in total blocks while setting program single-season records for block assists (522), total blocks (303) and blocks per set (2.91). The Rams also established a new school record with 18 blocks in a five-set match.
Sullivan coached middle blocker Tatum Holdereid to one of the nation's top defensive seasons in 2025. Holdereid finished second among all NCAA Division I players in blocks per set (1.83) and ranked 18th nationally in total blocks despite appearing in only 86 sets. She also set a new Fordham single-season record for block assists.
Throughout his time with the Rams, Sullivan helped develop multiple All-Atlantic 10 Conference First Team, Second Team and All-Rookie Team selections. His student-athletes also earned numerous Atlantic 10 Offensive, Defensive, and Rookie of the Week honors. In 2023, he helped guide Fordham to a 17-12 record and an appearance in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament, helping the program achieve what was then one of the best seasons in school history.
Prior to Fordham, Sullivan gained international coaching experience in England. While earning a Master's degree in Creative Writing from the University of Essex in 2018, he served as head coach of Tendring Volleyball Club, a semi-professional women's team competing at England's highest level. He guided the club to its first-ever National Volleyball League Championship, marking a historic achievement for the program.
In addition to his collegiate and international coaching experience, Sullivan has spent more than 15 years coaching club volleyball in a variety of leadership roles, including head coach and club director positions with clubs in California and New York. Throughout his club coaching career, he has helped develop athletes who have gone on to compete at every collegiate level.
As a player, Sullivan earned a scholarship to compete for the men's volleyball program at the University of the Pacific, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2012.
