Danny Goncalves is entering his 11th season as the head coach of the NJIT men’s volleyball program after being selected to lead the Highlanders beginning with the 2014–15 season. During his tenure, Goncalves has overseen significant growth and competitive milestones for the program, including national rankings and historic wins. In 2021, he was named the Bob Sweeney Coach of the Year after guiding NJIT to a 13–6 overall record and a 13–3 mark in EIVA play, finishing second in the conference. That season marked NJIT’s first-ever appearance in the NVA/AVCA top-10 rankings and included a landmark victory over Penn State, the program’s first win over the Nittany Lions since 1998.
Under Goncalves’ leadership, NJIT has produced multiple All-Americans and nationally recognized student-athletes, including Alvaro Gimeno, Luca Berger, and Griffin Fieseler. His teams have posted their best win totals since the late 2010s, achieved extended winning streaks, and consistently challenged top programs in the EIVA. Before arriving at NJIT, Goncalves built a diverse coaching résumé that includes high school, collegiate, and club volleyball. He coached at Shelton High School, helping guide teams to state championships, and later served as an assistant and head coach at the University of New Haven, as well as an assistant coach at Sacred Heart University. A former collegiate player at New Haven and a professional player in Portugal, Goncalves also served as Volleyball Director at Chelsea Piers Connecticut. His career reflects a blend of competitive success, player development, and long-term commitment to the growth of men’s volleyball.
