Rutgers University - Newark Women's Volleyball

Sovanny Kon was named the 9th head coach in Rutgers-Newark women's volleyball history on Monday, March 27, 2023. Kon joins the Scarlet Raiders from Division III Sarah Lawrence College.  Kon is a pioneer in every sense of the word, breaking barriers and achieving milestones that extend beyond the world of sports. Born in Vientiane, Laos, and raised in the frigid landscapes of North Pole, Alaska, her journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Kon's relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, where she obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business & Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. She furthered her academic journey at the American Public University, earning a Master of Science in Sports & Health Sciences. On the volleyball court, she made her mark as a versatile player, taking on the roles of Defensive Specialist (DS), Setter (S), and Outside Hitter (OH) at the NCAA D2 University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Over her four-year tenure, she served as a captain for two years, exemplifying leadership and dedication. Transitioning to coaching, she excelled at both the high school and collegiate levels. At Lathrop High School, she achieved a remarkable 112-19 record over six seasons, securing four regional championships and mentoring three Players of the Year. Her journey continued in the collegiate arena, where she carved a path of success. As the head coach, she guided the Lehman College men's volleyball team to CUNYAC semifinal appearances in 2017 and 2018. At Sarah Lawrence College, she achieved history by leading the women's volleyball team to its first-ever Skyline Conference playoff appearance in 2020 and the men's volleyball team to its first-ever Skyline Conference semifinal appearance in 2022. In recognition of her coaching prowess, she was honored as the 2020 Skyline Women's Volleyball Co-coach of the Year. Her coaching extends beyond wins and losses; it's about nurturing talent and helping athletes reach their full potential. Several of her players have earned prestigious accolades, such as CUNYAC All-Star recognition and NCAA D3 statistical leadership. Notably, in 2022, one of her players, Nate Davis, left an indelible mark on the NCAA D3 record books. He became the statistical leader in kills per set, points per set, and attacks per set. His historic achievements include the most kills in a four-set match (40) and a three-set match (33). She is equally passionate about academic success. In 2022, she was honored as part of the Jane Joncha and Nate Davis team, receiving the prestigious Arthur Ashe Jr Sports Scholar Team award. Nate Davis was also recognized as the Skyline Men's Scholar Athlete of the Year. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and education. I am committed to paving the way for the next generation of athletes and scholars, proving that with determination, the sky is the limit.   YEAR-BY-YEAR AS HEAD COACH YEAR SCHOOL RECORD 2017 Lehman 7-22 2018 Sarah Lawrence 6-17 2019 Sarah Lawrence 13-16 2020 Sarah Lawrence 0-2 2021 Sarah Lawrence 10-16 2022 Sarah Lawrence 13-16 2023 Rutgers-Newark 9-16 2024 Rutgers-Newark 13-17 TOTALS 8 Seasons 71-122

Varronika Siryon is a dedicated and accomplished third-year law student currently pursuing her Juris Doctor, with an expected graduation date of May 2026. A participant in the highly selective 3+3 Accelerated BA/JD Program, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rutgers University–Newark, graduating summa cum laude while also completing minors in Psychology and Legal Studies. A former student-athlete, Varronika was a member of the Rutgers University–Newark Women’s Volleyball program for three years, where she developed a deep understanding of team dynamics, competitive preparation, and student-athlete accountability. In recognition of her success in the classroom and on the court, she was named to the Rutgers–Newark All-Academic Team in 2024 and inducted into the 2024 Chi Alpha Sigma Inaugural Class, honoring her achievements as a high-performing student-athlete. During the Fall 2025 season, she served as Team Manager, working closely with the coaching staff in areas including program coordination, logistics management, and student-athlete support. In this role, she helped foster a structured, positive team environment while contributing to the overall success and daily operations of the program. Varronika is passionate about fostering a culture of excellence, promoting academic achievement, and contributing to a program built on integrity, teamwork, and the core values of collegiate athletics.