Quinn’s coaching and teaching career began at Girard College High School (1976-79) in Philadelphia, where he coached soccer, swimming, and tennis, while also creating the elementary physical education program. From 1979-1985, he served as athletic director, physical education chair, and boys' soccer coach at Moravian Academy, playing a key role in the school’s entry into the PIAA in 1981. During his tenure, he posted a 98-39-7 coaching record, including an undefeated season (1979), two Jersey-Penn Conference Championships, and Moravian’s first Colonial League title in 1985. His contributions to soccer in the region were recognized with his induction into the Lehigh Valley Soccer Hall of Fame in 2008.
He continued his coaching career at Allentown College of St. Francis deSales (1986-1991) as a physical education instructor, sports information director, and men's soccer coach. Under his leadership, the soccer program transformed from never having a winning season to conference champions in just three years. He was recognized as NAIA Regional Coach of the Year in 1988 and 1989.
Upon joining Xavier University in 1991, Quinn became director of the teacher preparation program in HPE and later developed undergraduate and graduate programs in sport management. From 1993-2004, he also served as head coach of the women’s soccer team, winning two Atlantic-10 Tournament titles and earning Ohio Collegiate Coach of the Year honors in 1998 and 2000. In 2015, he created Xavier’s first fully online graduate program in Coaching Education and Athlete Development. He was promoted to Full Professor in 2023 and retired on December 31, 2023, as Professor Emeritus.
Quinn later returned to high school coaching, leading Loveland HS boys’ soccer (2008-2009) to a conference title and earning Conference Coach of the Year honors. He then coached the Seton Catholic High School girls’ soccer team (2010-2017), securing a district title in 2012 and being named Ohio Girls Division I Private/Parochial School Coach of the Year in 2013.
Beyond coaching, Quinn has had a profound impact on youth soccer coaching education. He was a national instructor for US Youth Soccer, co-developing the National Youth Soccer Coaching License, the first to integrate a child development curriculum. Alongside Dr. Tom Fleck, he was one of the first Americans to present at the XX Annual Union of European Football Trainers Symposium (1999), advocating for age-appropriate training methods. He received the NSCAA Long-Term Service Award for Youth Soccer in 2006 and the US Youth Soccer Excellence in Coaching Education Award in 2007.
As a leading voice in integrating developmental psychology into youth soccer, Quinn has emphasized developmentally appropriate practices, a child-centered coaching approach, and the importance of creating positive learning environments for young athletes. His work has shaped how coaches understand the cognitive, emotional, and physical development of children, influencing coaching methodologies worldwide.
Academically, Quinn has made substantial contributions to the field with 32 peer- and non-peer-reviewed publications, 58 national presentations, four authored or co-authored books, and two book chapters. His research has advanced best practices in coaching education, youth athlete development, and sport management.
In recognition of his lifelong impact, Quinn was honored with the East Stroudsburg University Alumni Association Jim Barniak Award (2024) for outstanding achievement in athletics post-graduation.
Ron and his wife, Celine, have been married for 45 years and divide their time between their home in Newport, KY, and their farm in Augusta, KY. They have three married sons—Patrick (Kathryn), Brian (Cassie), and Kevin (Chelsea)—and three granddaughters, Sloane and Avery, daughters of Brian and Cassie, Frances Celine, daughter of Kevin and Chelsea.