Joe Rich, second from left, was named head coach of the beach volleyball program at UC Davis on Friday.
Photo by: Owen Main | Cal Poly Athletics
Joe Rich Named Head Beach Volleyball Coach at UC Davis
6/30/2023 12:43:00 PM | Beach Volleyball
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Joe Rich, assistant coach for the Cal Poly beach volleyball program the last two seasons, was named head coach at fellow Big West Conference member UC Davis on Friday.
Rich, who becomes the third head coach in UC Davis beach volleyball history, has over 25 years of coaching experience, both on the beach and on the hardwood, where he has enjoyed an incredible amount of success during his career.
"We are very excited to have Joe Rich as our next beach volleyball coach at UC Davis," UC Davis Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca said. "The values that Joe has, along with his volleyball experience and recruiting background, are the characteristics we look for in the leaders of our sport programs here at UC Davis. We are eager to have Joe on campus to work with our beach volleyball student-athletes to help elevate this program."
Rich boasts a history of success at the Division I level, leading two separate programs into the national rankings. In his 2022 campaign at Cal Poly, he helped guide the Mustangs to a Big West Conference Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. Cal Poly ascended to No. 13 in the national rankings that season, achieving success on the national stage. He also helped coach three Mustang pairs who earned All-Conference honors as well as see Ella Connor be named Big West Freshman of the Year.
During his tenure at Cal Poly, Rich's accomplishments gained national attention as he was chosen to lead the USA Men's Collegiate Beach Volleyball team. Prior to his time in San Luis Obispo, he began his Division I coaching career as an assistant coach at Grand Canyon. Rich compiled a 43-29 record and helped GCU maintain a spot in the AVCA Collegiate Beach Coaches Poll. He spent four seasons with the Lopes, leading the team to four straight seasons in the AVCA top 20, including two years in the top eight.
"I am honored to accept the UC Davis Head Beach Volleyball Coach position and to be a part of the UC Davis community and athletic department," Rich said. "I am fully committed and excited for this opportunity to lead the team toward success, fostering a culture of unity and growth, and developing both exceptional athletes and well-rounded individuals."
Added Mustang beach volleyball head coach Todd Rogers, "Although I am saddened to see Joe leave Cal Poly, at the same time I am very happy for him as I know his goal has always been to be a head coach and I support that goal. Joe is ready for the next stage of his coaching life, and I want to thank him for all the hard work he has put into the Cal Poly beach program over the last two years. I know UC Davis will be in great hands with Joe at the helm."
Since 2000, Rich has coached indoor volleyball players that are transitioning to the sand courts, mentoring them in their transition and coaching them on the slight differences between the ways athletes approach each game. Over the last five years, Rich has given several presentations at the AVCA Convention for beach volleyball on offense, defense, coaching cohesion, and leadership.
Rich also currently serves as a Master Coach, Grant Writer, and Operations Director for Beach Nation, the Beach Education partner for AVP, JVA and AVCA. He developed a nationally recognized youth beach program with this Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion focused organization that has partnered with Todd Rogers (Head Coach at Cal Poly), Mark Fishman (professional coach), and Patty Dodd (US Women's National Team Head Coach).
From 2010 to 2014, Rich began coaching at DEVA and Epic United Volleyball Club, and from 2014 to 2017, Rich owned Diggz of NWI, which operated seven indoor volleyball courts and two sand volleyball courts. Rich also acted as the beach director and as an instructor to players of the club.
He was a standout on the hardwood as he played on the All-Marine volleyball team from 1991-95, where he was selected to the All-National Military team. He moved to the sand in 1996, playing in various professional leagues and qualifiers including AVP, EVP, MVPVA and Cuervo Series.
A native of Wheaton, IL, Rich attended Purdue University where he received his degree in Liberal Arts History and English.
Rich, who becomes the third head coach in UC Davis beach volleyball history, has over 25 years of coaching experience, both on the beach and on the hardwood, where he has enjoyed an incredible amount of success during his career.
"We are very excited to have Joe Rich as our next beach volleyball coach at UC Davis," UC Davis Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca said. "The values that Joe has, along with his volleyball experience and recruiting background, are the characteristics we look for in the leaders of our sport programs here at UC Davis. We are eager to have Joe on campus to work with our beach volleyball student-athletes to help elevate this program."
Rich boasts a history of success at the Division I level, leading two separate programs into the national rankings. In his 2022 campaign at Cal Poly, he helped guide the Mustangs to a Big West Conference Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. Cal Poly ascended to No. 13 in the national rankings that season, achieving success on the national stage. He also helped coach three Mustang pairs who earned All-Conference honors as well as see Ella Connor be named Big West Freshman of the Year.
During his tenure at Cal Poly, Rich's accomplishments gained national attention as he was chosen to lead the USA Men's Collegiate Beach Volleyball team. Prior to his time in San Luis Obispo, he began his Division I coaching career as an assistant coach at Grand Canyon. Rich compiled a 43-29 record and helped GCU maintain a spot in the AVCA Collegiate Beach Coaches Poll. He spent four seasons with the Lopes, leading the team to four straight seasons in the AVCA top 20, including two years in the top eight.
"I am honored to accept the UC Davis Head Beach Volleyball Coach position and to be a part of the UC Davis community and athletic department," Rich said. "I am fully committed and excited for this opportunity to lead the team toward success, fostering a culture of unity and growth, and developing both exceptional athletes and well-rounded individuals."
Added Mustang beach volleyball head coach Todd Rogers, "Although I am saddened to see Joe leave Cal Poly, at the same time I am very happy for him as I know his goal has always been to be a head coach and I support that goal. Joe is ready for the next stage of his coaching life, and I want to thank him for all the hard work he has put into the Cal Poly beach program over the last two years. I know UC Davis will be in great hands with Joe at the helm."
Since 2000, Rich has coached indoor volleyball players that are transitioning to the sand courts, mentoring them in their transition and coaching them on the slight differences between the ways athletes approach each game. Over the last five years, Rich has given several presentations at the AVCA Convention for beach volleyball on offense, defense, coaching cohesion, and leadership.
Rich also currently serves as a Master Coach, Grant Writer, and Operations Director for Beach Nation, the Beach Education partner for AVP, JVA and AVCA. He developed a nationally recognized youth beach program with this Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion focused organization that has partnered with Todd Rogers (Head Coach at Cal Poly), Mark Fishman (professional coach), and Patty Dodd (US Women's National Team Head Coach).
From 2010 to 2014, Rich began coaching at DEVA and Epic United Volleyball Club, and from 2014 to 2017, Rich owned Diggz of NWI, which operated seven indoor volleyball courts and two sand volleyball courts. Rich also acted as the beach director and as an instructor to players of the club.
He was a standout on the hardwood as he played on the All-Marine volleyball team from 1991-95, where he was selected to the All-National Military team. He moved to the sand in 1996, playing in various professional leagues and qualifiers including AVP, EVP, MVPVA and Cuervo Series.
A native of Wheaton, IL, Rich attended Purdue University where he received his degree in Liberal Arts History and English.
Players Mentioned
/ Beach Volleyball
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