Michelle Piantadosi-Lima returned to her home state of Florida in 2012 to become the 10th head coach in the history of the Eckerd College volleyball program, and she enters her 14th season at the helm for the 2025 season. Her tenure has been defined by sustained competitive success, program growth, and national recognition. Piantadosi-Lima made an immediate impact, guiding the Tritons to back-to-back NCAA South Regional appearances in her first two seasons and becoming the fastest coach in program history to reach 50 career wins. She has since led Eckerd to six NCAA Tournament appearances, including consecutive berths in 2022 and 2023, and recorded milestone victories such as her 100th career win in 2017 and her 200th in 2024. Under her leadership, the program has produced multiple All-Americans, All-Region selections, and All-SSC honorees, while consistently competing among the Sunshine State Conference’s top teams.
In addition to revitalizing the indoor program, Piantadosi-Lima launched Eckerd’s beach volleyball program in 2015 and quickly established it as a national contender, highlighted by a Rox Small College Championship in 2016 and runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2018. Beyond the court, she has held significant administrative roles at Eckerd, including Senior Woman Administrator and Assistant Athletic Director, where she oversaw student-athlete well-being, served as the department’s Title IX coordinator, and helped expand mental health and diversity initiatives. A former standout player at the University of Tennessee and a professional competitor in both indoor and beach volleyball, Piantadosi-Lima brings elite playing experience and a student-centered approach to her coaching. She holds degrees from Tennessee and Nova Southeastern University and continues to be a driving force in the growth and success of Eckerd volleyball.
