Vegas Thrill announces Rámon "Monchito" Hernandez Cruz as new Head Coach, Raúl Papaleo as Assistant Coach.
Inaugural Season Head Coach Fran Flory will transition to General Manager, Business Development in 2025
LAS VEGAS - Vegas Thrill, Las Vegas’ professional women’s volleyball team, is excited to announce former Olympian and Coach of the Year Rámon “Monchito” Hernández Cruz as the team’s new head coach for the 2025 season. Joining Hernández as assistant coach is his former olympic beach volleyball partner Raúl Papaleo.
“I am extremely thrilled and pleased to welcome Rámon “Monchito” as our new head coach,” said Ruben Herrera, President of the Vegas Thrill. “He brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and professional coach. I believe his passion and commitment to excellence make him the perfect fit to elevate our team after Coach Flory built an incredible foundation in the inaugural season.”
A native of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Hernández was most recently named "Coach of the Year" in the Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM), marking the fourth time he has received the honor. He was a three-time All-American at Penn State, where he led the team to its first NCAA Championship in 1994 and earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. His achievements extend beyond indoor volleyball, as he earned a bronze medal in men’s beach volleyball at the 2003 Pan American Games and represented Puerto Rico at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. He was also the head coach of the Puerto Rico men's volleyball team in 2017.
“Thank you to the Vegas Thrill organization for the opportunity to coach a great team in the premier volleyball league in the United States,” said Hernández. “The organization is committed to excellence and with dedication, hard work and effort, the team will achieve their goals. Everybody involved in the Pro Volleyball Federation has great responsibility to promote women’s sports in this country. Therefore, I invite Vegas Thrill fans to support the team during the 2025 season.”
With Hernández comes long time confidant Papaleo, who partnered with Hernández in men’s beach volleyball in 2003 for the Pan American Games and 2004 for the Summer Olympics. Before achieving Olympic status, Papaleo was named 1996 AVP Rookie of the Year, and was a two-time All-American at Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne in 1992 and 1993.
With this announcement, inaugural season head coach Fran Flory will transition into the role of General Manager, Business Development. In her new position, Flory will oversee all business operations to help continue building brand awareness within the Las Vegas community.
“I am truly honored to take on the role of General Manager for the Vegas Thrill and grateful for the opportunity that President Ruben Herrera has provided me,” said Coach Fran. “This team holds so much potential, and I’m eager to work alongside our amazing business staff to help build a culture of excellence in our organization. Acquiring someone as accomplished as Rámon as the head coach only adds to the excitement—I can’t wait to collaborate with him to bring thrilling moments to our fans and community.”
To stay up to date on schedules, roster, and tickets, visit vegasthrill.com and follow us on social media @vegasthrill.