Bio

Nick Cheronis brings a wealth of experience to the Santa Fe volleyball program, and completed his eighth year at the helm of the program in 2021. In all, he has coached for 40 seasons at every level of play. 

At SF, Cheronis has accumulated a 135-82 record, including a trip to the NJCAA Tournament in 2016 where the Saints finished fourth in the nation.

Cheronis and the Saints have earned four conference titles: the 2020 Mid-Florida Conference, the 2019 Panhandle Conference, the 2018 Panhandle Conference, and the 2014 Mid-Florida Conference crown in the program's inaugural season. 

Additionally, the Saints have qualified and competed in the FCSAA Region 8 Tournament seven seasons under the guidance of Cheronis.

SF's consistency has led to postseason coaching recognition, and Cheronis' accolades include: 2020 Mid-Florida Conference Coach of the Year, 2019 Panhandle Conference Coach of the Year, 2018 Panhandle Conference Coach of the Year, 2016 AVCA Southeast Region Coach of the Year, and 2014 Co-Mid Florida Conference Coach of the Year. 

Prior to SF

Cheronis had stops at four different colleges prior to arriving at the University of Florida in 1992 as an assistant coach. In 18 seasons at Florida, he helped guide the Gators to 17 consecutive Southeastern Championships, 18 trips to the NCAA tournament, 10 Elite eight appearances, 7 final fours and a national championship match in 2003. While there, 25 different players became AVCA All-Americans including one national freshman of the year. In 1996, he was promoted to Associate Head Coach with primary responsibilities as the defensive coordinator, assistant director of camps, and overseeing the Gator strength and conditioning program.

Most recently before Santa Fe, Cheronis was the head coach for Saint Francis Catholic High School in Gainesville, Florida. In 2012 and 2013, he guided the Wolves to back-to-back state finals appearances, finishing as Class 3A State Runner-Ups in 2012.

In 2013 Cheronis was named an assistant coach for the USA Youth National team that competed in the Youth World Championships in Thailand. At that tournament, USA finished with a first ever medal for USA Volleyball in that age group.

Playing Career

Cheronis played 10 years of USVBA open volleyball after graduating from Ball State University. While working toward a bachelor’s of science degree in business administration, Cheronis was a three-year member of the school’s volleyball team.

Education & Family

Cheronis has obtained a bachelor's of science degree in business administration from Ball State University and went on to complete his masters work at Southwest Missouri State University (now known as Missouri State).

Coach Cheronis and his wife Lori reside in Gainesville. He has a son, Billy who is 27 and a daughter Riley who is 17.