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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 29, 2025) — USA Volleyball is proud to announce that Bill Hamiter, head coach of the U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team, has been named the 2024 Paralympic Coach of the Year by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
The USOPC also announced additional Coach of the Year recipients, including USA Fencing’s Ralf Bissdorf as Olympic Coach of the Year. Summer awardees include USA Softball’s Patty Gasso as College Coach of the Year, Linda “Dee” Mahoney as Service Provider of the Year, and USA Archery’s Phil “Chad” Jones as Volunteer Coach of the Year. Winter awardees include U.S. Figure Skating’s Steffany Hanlen (Doc Counsilman Science and Technology Award), USA Hockey’s Heather Mannix (Coach Educator of the Year), and U.S. Speedskating’s Tom Anderson (Developmental Coach of the Year).
Under Hamiter’s leadership, the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team has established itself as a powerhouse on the international stage. At the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, he guided the team to an historic third consecutive Paralympic gold medal, solidifying their place among the most successful teams in Paralympic history.
Since taking over the program in 2009, Hamiter has revolutionized the team’s development with an innovative, data-driven approach to coaching. He integrates advanced analytics, match video review, and load-monitoring technologies to maximize athlete performance, while his individualized development programs have built a sustainable pipeline of elite talent for USA Volleyball.
“Team USA’s success is built on the dedication of our coaches and support staff, whose impact extends from youth development to the world’s biggest stages,” said Rocky Harris, USOPC chief of sport and athlete services. “Their unwavering commitment empowers our athletes and strengthens the entire Olympic and Paralympic movements. We proudly recognize the eight individual award winners for their relentless pursuit of excellence in their sports and beyond.”
National Governing Bodies nominated their 2024 coaches as part of the USOPC Coach of the Year Recognition Program, with winners selected by a USOPC panel. The program honors outstanding coaches and support providers who make a significant impact on their sport and the broader Olympic and Paralympic community.
USA Volleyball congratulates Bill Hamiter on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his continued dedication, innovation and leadership.
About Bill Hamiter
Since assuming leadership of the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team in 2009, Bill Hamiter has built a program that is unmatched in the sport. At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Team USA rebounded from a pool play loss to defeat China 3-1 in the final, with individual honors awarded to Heather Erickson (MVP and Best Attacker), Lora Webster (Best Blocker), and Kaleo Kanahele Maclay (Best Setter). Hamiter’s pioneering use of analytics and technology, combined with a deep commitment to athlete development, has made a lasting impact on Paralympic volleyball and established a model of coaching excellence.