CLINTON, N.Y. - Hamilton College has appointed Brittany Orminski as Acting Head Coach of its volleyball program, Thomas E. Murphy Director of Athletics Kristine Fowler announced on July 7. Orminski, who has served as the Continentals' assistant volleyball coach for the past two seasons, will lead the program through Dec. 31, 2026.
The appointment marks an important transition for Hamilton Volleyball as Orminski succeeds Kristin Baker, who recently accepted the head coaching position at SUNY Cortland after leading the Continentals since 2017. Under Baker's leadership, Hamilton Volleyball continued to strengthen its culture of competitive excellence, student-athlete development, and academic success, establishing a strong foundation for the program's future.
Orminski's promotion ensures continuity as the Continentals prepare for the upcoming season. Having worked closely with the team over the last two years, she brings a deep understanding of the program's values, goals, and student-athletes, along with a passion for fostering success both on and off the court.
"I am grateful for Brittany's willingness to step into this role," Fowler said. "Her dedication to our student-athletes, knowledge of the program, and commitment to excellence will provide important continuity and leadership as we prepare for the upcoming season. Brittany has earned the trust and respect of our team through her work ethic, mentorship, and commitment to helping our student-athletes thrive. We are excited to see her lead the program during this next chapter.
"I also want to thank Kristin for her leadership over the past nine years and congratulate her on this exciting professional opportunity. Kristin has made a tremendous impact on our student-athletes, alumni, and the program, and we wish her continued success at Cortland."
A key member of the Hamilton coaching staff since 2023, Orminski has played an integral role in all aspects of the NCAA Division III program, including practice planning, match preparation, recruiting support, player development, and team culture initiatives. Her work has helped strengthen the student-athlete experience while supporting the program's competitive goals.
Beyond volleyball, Orminski has contributed broadly to the Hamilton Athletics Department through teaching physical education courses and assisting with event-day operations and event management across multiple sports. Her commitment to the department reflects Hamilton's holistic approach to athletics, where leadership, service, and community engagement are central to the student-athlete experience.
"I'm honored to step into this role," Orminski said. "Over the last two years, I've had the opportunity to be part of building something really special at Hamilton, and I'm excited to continue moving our program forward. I'm passionate about creating an environment where our student-athletes feel challenged, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential both on and off the court.
I'm grateful for the confidence the department has placed in me, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation Kristin established as we continue to raise the program's standard. Our focus remains on developing exceptional student-athletes, competing at a high level, and creating a culture that reflects the values of Hamilton College."
Prior to joining the Continentals, Orminski served as an assistant volleyball coach at SUNY Brockport during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, where she gained valuable collegiate coaching experience and contributed to player development and program operations. She earned bachelor's degrees in health science and exercise science from Brockport, providing a strong academic foundation for her work in athletics and student-athlete wellness.
As Hamilton Volleyball enters a new era, the program is well-positioned to build upon the progress established under Baker's leadership. With an experienced coaching staff member now at the helm, the Continentals look forward to maintaining momentum, strengthening their competitive identity, and continuing to provide a first-class experience for their student-athletes.
Reflecting on her time at Hamilton, Baker expressed gratitude for the people and experiences that defined her tenure.
"The past nine years at Hamilton College have given me memories, relationships, and experiences that will last a lifetime," Baker said. "I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey. I feel fortunate to have been at a place that was so difficult to leave. I leave knowing this program is in a good place and with deep appreciation and great excitement for this next chapter at SUNY Cortland. My time at Hamilton has prepared me to lead and continue building a program with a proud championship tradition."
With a seamless leadership transition in place, Hamilton Volleyball is poised to continue its commitment to excellence, student-athlete development, and competitive success under Orminski's guidance. Hamilton College will launch a national search later this fall for its next permanent head volleyball coach.
