Bio

Coach Joe Ross joins Columbia-Greene with over 20 years’ experience at the small college, high school, and AAU levels. Twice named Hudson Valley Men’s Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, he is most proud of having coached the first Academic All American at his previous college (St. Joseph’s College, New York), the Academic All-Conference selections, and the student athletes who go on to higher education and rewarding professions after they leave the program.

Who is a good fit for the program? "We aren’t looking for guys who just love basketball,” says Coach Ross,” but for guys who love being part of a basketball team.  Yes, I am a super-competitive person; no one hates losing more than I do. But we have always had success with guys who enjoy and care about each other and the program...  guys who will always be proud of having represented Columbia Greene as students and athletes.”

Dr. Ross grew up in the city of Poughkeepsie, earned his BA with Rider College (Lawrenceville, New Jersey), MA with Emerson College (Boston), and his PhD with the University of Maryland (College Park). He and his family returned to the Hudson Valley over 20 years ago and currently reside in Putnam County.