Head Coach: Ron Young

Ron Young enters his ninth season as Head Men’s Volleyball Coach at Lindenwood and his tenth as part of the Lions coaching staff. He has compiled an impressive 196-55 (.781) record while guiding the Lions to eight consecutive national tournament appearances. The Lions have advanced to nationals every year since starting the men’s volleyball program in 1999-2000. Young has established a standard of excellence within the Mid America Men’s Volleyball Intercollegiate Conference (MAMVIC) both on and off the court that has allowed the men’s volleyball program at Lindenwood to maintain its status as one of the most respected and consistent in the NAIA. 

Young also is in his seventh season as the head coach of the women's volleyball squad. Entering 2008, he had a career record of 186-65 (.741) and helped the women's team win five HAAC titles.

Young’s resume is filled with many milestones during a 20-year coaching career at the high school, junior national club and college levels. His teams at Lindenwood have averaged over 20 wins per season. Young feels Lindenwood’s success is due to our philosophy that no team member is bigger than the team. The positive interaction between teammates during practice and competition leads to our high level of play.

As a head coach he has captured 5 conference championships and has guided the men to 8 consecutive appearances in the Tachikara/NAIA Final Four national championships, finishing 2nd three times and 3rd twice. Young has been honored as the Tachikara/NAIA National Coach of the Year in 2006 after guiding his team to a 36-4 overall record and an appearance in the national championship finals. In addition, he has been honored as conference coach of the year on 3 occasions. In 2001, he was honored by USA Volleyball with the Robert L. Lindsay Meritorious Service Award for contributing outstanding participation, motivation and other services in the promotion of volleyball.   

During the summer months, Young enjoys fishing and spending time with family. His sons Josh and Zach competed as setters at Lindenwood and served as assistant coaches in both the men’s and women’s volleyball programs. Son Luke competed in track and field and men’s volleyball at Graceland University, and now serves as Young’s assistant for both men’s and women’s programs. Daughter Sarah also competed at Graceland, earning All-Conference, All-Region and All-American accolades during her four-year career. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Young is married to the former Delaine Mizell and resides in St. Peters, Mo.

Assistant Coach Cary Cusumano

Cary Cusumano enters his second season as First Assistant to Head Men’s Volleyball Coach Ron Young, and third season overall with the men. He comes from Notre Dame High School in St. Louis, Mo. where he coached for six seasons.

Cusumano will assist with all areas of the program, primarily defensive systems with an emphasis on training and developing setters and middles. He was a member of the 2007 men’s volleyball team coaching staff which made a trip to the 2007 NAIA championships.

Cusumano has coached for the Missouri Thunder boys volleyball club for five seasons and current serves on the Board of Directors.  Additionally, Cusumano is Executive Director for Team Momentum girl’s volleyball club.

Cusumano received his Bachelor's degree in Education from Harris-Stowe State University in 2006. He is currently working towards his Master's in Education from Lindenwood and plans to graduate in the Spring of 2009.

Assistant Coach Luke Young

Luke Young enters his second season as Men’s Second Assistant to Head Volleyball coach, Ron Young. Young is returning as an assistant following his Lindenwood JV Gold’s finish as USAV Gateway Region BB Champions. Young will assist with all areas of the program and primarily be in charge of the JV teams. 

Young currently coaches for Team Momentum girl’s volleyball club, and has worked with Wentzville Heat and Northern Illinois volleyball clubs, as well as Missouri Thunder boy’s volleyball club. Young is also Second Assistant for the Women’s team at Lindenwood under Ron Young.

Young received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Communications and Studio Art: Sculpture from Graceland University in 2004. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art: Painting from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL in 2008.

Young resides in St. Charles with his wife, Lisa, a librarian for Lindenwood University.