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UC Santa Barbara Gauchos men's volleyball

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UC Santa Barbara Gauchos men's volleyball
NameUC Santa Barbara Gauchos men's volleyball
UniversityUniversity of California, Santa Barbara
ConferenceBig West Conference
DivisionNCAA Division I
Founded1960s
ArenaThe Thunderdome
Capacity5,000
CitySanta Barbara, California
StateCalifornia
HeadcoachRick McLaughlin
Tenures2011–present
NicknameGauchos
ColorsBlue and Gold
Ncaatourneys1975, 1979, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 2004, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023
Ncaatourneyfinals2011
Conference tournament2021, 2022, 2023
Conference regular1979, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos men's volleyball represents the University of California, Santa Barbara in NCAA Division I and Big West Conference men's volleyball. The program has been a consistent national contender, capturing a national runner-up finish in 2011 and multiple conference championships. Competing in the highly competitive Big West Conference, the Gauchos play their home matches at the on-campus Thunderdome.

History

The program's origins trace to the 1960s, with the team gaining prominence under the guidance of early coaches like Ken Preston. The Gauchos were a founding member of the Western Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (WIVA) and later became a charter member of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) in 1992. A pivotal era began with the hiring of head coach Rick McLaughlin, who led the team to its first NCAA Championship match appearance in 2011 against Ohio State. In 2018, the program transitioned to the newly formed men's volleyball division of the Big West Conference, alongside rivals like Long Beach State and Hawaii. Historic seasons include the 2011 run and the program's first Big West tournament title in 2021.

Championships and awards

The Gauchos' highest achievement is the 2011 NCAA runner-up finish. The team has won multiple regular-season conference championships, including titles in the WIVA (1979) and the MPSF (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991). Since joining the Big West Conference, they have secured regular-season crowns in 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023, and conference tournament championships in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Individual honors are numerous, with players like Evan Patch winning the AVCA National Player of the Year award in 2023. Other notable award winners include Ryan Wilcox (Big West Player of the Year) and several AVCA All-America selections such as Jeff Menzel and Jake Arnitz.

Season-by-season results

The Gauchos have qualified for the NCAA Men's Volleyball Tournament twelve times, with their first appearance in 1975. The 2011 season, culminating in the national final, stands as the program's most successful tournament run. Recent seasons under Rick McLaughlin have been marked by consistent excellence, with the team earning Big West Conference regular-season titles and subsequent NCAA berths in 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The 2023 season featured a historic 27-4 record and a top seed in the national tournament. Annual competition in the tough Big West Conference schedule includes key matches against Long Beach State, Hawaii, and UC Irvine.

Players

The program has developed numerous elite athletes who have excelled professionally. Notable alumni include Jeff Menzel, a key figure on the 2011 runner-up team and a member of the United States men's national volleyball team. Evan Patch, the 2023 AVCA National Player of the Year, is a current star and member of the U.S. national team. Other prominent Gauchos are Jake Arnitz, Corey Chavers, and Randy Stoklos, a beach volleyball legend. Many players have continued their careers in top professional leagues like Italy's Serie A and the PlusLiga in Poland, as well as with USA Volleyball.

Coaches

Rick McLaughlin has served as head coach since 2011, building the program into a Big West Conference powerhouse and guiding it to the 2011 NCAA final. His predecessor, Ken Preston, led the team during its early MPSF and WIVA success in the 1980s and 1990s. Other former head coaches include Greg Wilson and Lyle Yost. The coaching staff has been recognized with awards such as the AVCA National Coach of the Year, earned by McLaughlin in 2023, and multiple Big West Conference Coach of the Year honors.

Home arena

The Gauchos play their home matches at The Thunderdome, officially known as the UC Santa Barbara Events Center. The multi-purpose arena, located on the University of California, Santa Barbara campus in Santa Barbara, has a capacity of approximately 5,000 for volleyball. It provides a significant home-court advantage and has hosted numerous NCAA Men's Volleyball Tournament matches, including regional finals. The venue also hosts the university's men's and women's basketball teams.

Category:UC Santa Barbara Gauchos men's volleyball Category:Big West Conference