1/7/26
Neumann University has appointed Kiriam Yordan as the second head coach in the program’s history, Director of Athletics and Recreation John Krimmel announced Tuesday.
Yordan brings a diverse coaching background to the Knights, most recently serving as head coach for both boys’ and girls’ volleyball at Girard College, an independent college prep school in Philadelphia. He also spent time as girls’ volleyball coach at the Perkiomen School in Parkesburg while simultaneously serving as an assistant coach for Eastern University’s men’s program during the 2023-2024 season.
“Strong programs are defined by three characteristics: a well-defined culture, strong emphasis on player development, and investment in athletes,” Yordan said. “That is what I bring to Neumann Men’s Volleyball.”
The Puerto Rico native built his coaching foundation at Perkiomen, where he developed a competitive program that reached two league championship matches (winning one) and made two PAISAA tournament appearances. His coaching philosophy emphasizes unified team identity, mutual responsibility, open communication, discipline, and community pride.
Taking Over a Competitive Program
Yordan inherits a Knights program that finished the 2025 season with a 14-12 overall record and a 5-3 mark in United East Conference play. The team reached the conference tournament, defeating Saint Elizabeth University 3-0 in the first round before falling to top-seeded Lancaster Bible College 3-0 in the semifinals.
The 2025 campaign saw Neumann compete against a challenging schedule, with notable victories including sweeps of Bryn Athyn College, Hood College, University of Valley Forge, and Pratt Institute. The Knights also earned hard-fought five-set wins over Saint Elizabeth (3-2) and Gallaudet University (3-2) during conference play. However, they struggled on the road with a 6-7 away record and faced tough losses to programs like Widener University, Wilkes University, and King’s College.
Building Toward the MAC
A 2016 graduate of Hazelton Area High School and 2020 graduate of Eastern University, where he served as team captain his senior year, Yordan currently coaches for East Coast Power Volleyball club in King of Prussia, overseeing two national-level teams.
“The future continues to be bright for Neumann Men’s Volleyball, and it is even brighter with Kiriam Yordan leading our program,” Krimmel said. “His outlook for the program and his previous experience playing and coaching in the Middle Atlantic Conference is the perfect combination as we transition to the MAC in the 2026-27 academic year.”
Yordan emphasized his transformational and collaborative coaching approach, viewing his role as mentor and guide rather than manager.
“I believe when players are empowered, respected, and cared for as students and emotional beings, they will bring their full selves to the game and perform at their highest potential,” he said. “My job as a coach is to help our student-athletes receive the support they need in order to be who they want to be.”
Strong Endorsements
Former athlete Lorena Sanchez, who now plays at Seton Hill (DII), praised her former coach: “Coach Yordan is an excellent coach who truly understands the game of volleyball. He taught me life lessons that go beyond volleyball. Neumann University Men’s Volleyball is very lucky to have him as Head Coach.”
Christopher Smith of Vanguard Elite Volleyball Academy added, “The Neumann Men’s program is in great hands with Kiriam, and will benefit from his high energy and detail-oriented coaching style.”
Kimberly Feeny, Boys’ Director at Vanguard Elite Volleyball Academy, noted that “Kiriam brings focus, genuineness, and competitiveness into his coaching. He will elevate the program at Neumann University and each of the student-athletes.”
The Knights will begin play under Yordan’s leadership in Spring 2026 as they prepare for their transition to the Middle Atlantic Conference the following year.