KINGSTON, R.I. – Rhode Island women's volleyball head coach Ryan Sullivan has named Marissa Soistman as the program's assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

Soistman is a familiar face to Sullivan, as the pair were both with the University of New Hampshire women's volleyball program for the last three seasons. Soistman began with the Wildcats as a graduate assistant and director of operations before earning a promotion to assistant coach before the 2023 season.

During her three seasons at UNH, the Wildcats were 53-31, including a 20-12 mark in America East play. In 2023, New Hampshire finished second in the America East, closing out the regular season on a seven-match winning streak. In each of Soistman's three seasons, New Hampshire reached at least the conference semifinals, including a run to the championship finals in 2022. Last season, the Wildcats had an RPI of 113, the highest for the program since the 2003 season.

"Marissa is a tremendous coach and an even better person who I am delighted to welcome to our volleyball Ram Fam," Sullivan said. "We built a strong relationship during our three years working together in New Hampshire, and I know she possesses the skillset and work ethic to help develop our student-athletes to the best of their abilities."

Soistman helped New Hampshire middle blocker Kara Oxenknecht earn America East Rookie of the Year and first team all-conference honors in 2022. That year, outside hitter Hannah Serbousek was named to the second team. Last fall, Serbousek and middle blocker Alysa Wright were first team selections, while middle blocker Kelly Kaufmann was a second team honoree and setter Jessica Shattles was named to the all-rookie team.

Soistman was the head coach for the 603 United Volleyball Club in Hampton, N.H. from November of 2023 through May of 2024.

Soistman was a multi-year captain for NJIT's women's volleyball program, where she was a setter. She earned her bachelor's degree in Law, Technology and Culture from NJIT in May of 2021. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with honors in both Chi Alpha Sigma and Phi Alpha Theta. Soistman went on to complete a master's degree in Kinesiology/Sports Studies from New Hampshire in May of 2023.