College of Saint Rose Athletics

John Leighton joined the women’s volleyball program at The College of Saint Rose in 2005, and thus enters his seventh season as an assistant coach. Upon arrival, Leighton assumed the role of setting and serving coach, two highly successful components of the program. His areas of expertise focus on setting, right-side hitters, serving, serve receive and hand passing. 

Leighton’s knowledge and experience was felt immediately as he helped former setter Shannon Campbell (’07) become the only player in school history to amass more than 4,000 career assists. A two-time Northeast-10 Conference All-League pick, Campbell led the NE-10 with 1,297 assists in 2006, surpassing her own single-season school record in just Leighton’s second year on the staff. 

Leighton’s influence and impact on the Golden Knights continues to grow every year. Besides serving as the video coordinator and an active recruiter, he also plays the lead role in coordinating the 3-phase training program utilized by the team. The program taps into Leighton’s vast experience using plyometric jump training, speed training and weight training. In addition, he has brought greater core strength and flexibility to the team through Pilates and yoga instruction. 

Prior to his arrival on Western Avenue, Leighton spent several years coaching at NCAA Division III Russell Sage College in Troy and Union College in Schenectady. 

Leighton, who is a certified high school biology teacher, received his master’s degree in education from Saint Rose. He spent his undergraduate career at the University of Maine where he played for the University of Maine club volleyball team. Leighton continues to be an avid player in USA club volleyball as well as outdoor grass doubles.