BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Ryan Mather has been named Long Island University's Head Men's Volleyball Coach and Tony Trifonov has been named Director of Volleyball, Director of Athletics Elliott Charles announced on Tuesday. Mather takes over the men's volleyball program after two seasons as an assistant coach with the program. Trifonov will provide oversight of the men's program while continuing as head coach of the women's volleyball program. 

Over the past two seasons, Mather helped guide the Sharks to back-to-back NEC Tournament appearances, including a second-place finish in the final standings in 2025. Five players earned first-team all-conference recognition over the past seasons, including two NEC major award winners, Isaac Benka (Defensive Player of the Year, 2025) and Kale Spencer (Player of the Year, 2026). 

Mather joined LIU after two seasons as an assistant with the women's program at Rutgers University (2023-2024). Previously, Mather served as the interim head coach during the spring semester at Lafayette College in 2023 after having worked one season as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Lafayette in 2022.  

As a player, Mather was a three-time second-team all-conference selection at Grand Canyon University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in exercise science. Since graduation, Mather has played professionally in Luxembourg, Finland, Denmark, and most recently, for Legion Volleyball Club of the Volleyball League of America. 

"First, I want to thank Elliott Charles for giving me this opportunity and believing in me," said Mather. "I also want to thank Tony Trifonov for all of his support throughout this process, and Justin Beaumont, the previous head coach, for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to join the LIU staff as an assistant coach. 

"I am super fired up and excited for this next chapter. What makes it even more special is that I get to do it with this group of players. I am excited to embrace the challenge and responsibility that comes with leading the LIU men's volleyball program. I can't wait to get started. Go Sharks!" 

This past season, Trifonov led the Sharks to an NEC Championship and appearance in the NCAA Tournament, while posting a 20-9 overall record, a 15-1 conference record, and a 12-1 mark at home. Five Sharks earned all-conference recognition, with four earning a first-team nod. Karly Klaer was named NEC Setter of the Year and Miabella Musignac earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. 

In his 27 seasons as a Division I head coach, Trifonov has won 21 conference regular season titles, 12 conference tournament championships and NCAA Tournament berths, and has been named conference coach of the year eight times across three separate conferences.

"Being a part of a championship culture with LIU women's volleyball has been incredibly rewarding," said Trifonov. "I am excited to help the men's program build on its momentum, reach new heights, and pursue a championship of its own."