University of New England Athletics

A veteran of the UNE coaching staff, Ismael returns to the sidelines after a one-year absence.  Coach Maldonado possesses a very impressive volleyball background as a player, coach and official. 

Ismael started playing volleyball at the young age of 13.  After high school he enlisted in the US Coast Guard and saw duty in the Arctic, Antarctica and Vietnam.  He returned to his native Puerto Rico at the age of 22 and went on to play volleyball for one of seven different regional teams.

Maldonado has overseen the volleyball program at the YMCA, and has also managed to stay active as a player.  He and his wife of 21 years, Lisa, reside in Old Orchard Beach.  A part-time coach at UNE, Ismael earns a living as a carpenter.