WEST HAVEN, Conn. – A rising star in the collegiate volleyball circles, Ana Pego is returning to West Haven to take over the reins of the New Haven volleyball program as announced by Interim Director of Athletics Jon Mays.
Pego returns to New Haven where she served as graduate assistant coach, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator and eventually as head coach, racking up a 15-3 overall record in 2018, a season in which the Chargers went on to host the East Region Championship.
"We are excited to welcome Ana back to Charger Nation," proclaimed Mays. "Her history of success at New Haven speaks for itself and I look forward to watching Charger Volleyball succeed under her leadership."
"I am excited for the opportunity to return to New Haven and lead the women's volleyball program once again," said Pego. "New Haven is one of the best programs in the Northeast-10 and I look forward to maintaining the level of success UNH is known for. I would like to thank Interim AD Jon Mays and the entire search committee for providing me this opportunity."
A native of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Pego returns to New Haven from Le Moyne where she was named head coach of the Dolphins in December after spending the previous four years at UNC Charlotte as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. During her time at Charlotte, the 49ers garnered three consecutive Conference USA Tournament berths, reaching the semifinals of the conference tournament for the first time in program history in 2020.
A dual master's degree recipient from New Haven, Pego joined the Chargers coaching staff in August 2014 and worked with the Chargers setters, including All-Region and All-Conference performer Kristen Rios who led the team in assists in each of her three seasons, while among the leading hitters and defenders.
Following the 2015 season, Pego was recognized as one of seven recipients for the American Volleyball Coaches Association Minority Coaches Scholarship, providing her with full AVCA convention registration and housing for a five-day conference.
Prior to joining the Chargers, Pego was a student assistant coach with her alma mater, Alabama State, for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. She had also been the Hornets' starting setter for two seasons, taking the role of team captain in 2011.
A member of the Dean's List, Pego completed her Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology at Alabama State in 2013, graduated Summa Cum Laude and was selected to the Beta Kappa Chi Honor Society.
In addition to her experience playing Division I college volleyball and coaching collegiately at the Division I and Division II levels, Pego has also directed club volleyball for the Chelsea Piers Athletic Club in Connecticut and worked in operations for the New England Black Wolves lacrosse team.
