Al Scates

Al Scates is a renowned American volleyball coach, best known for his successful tenure with the UCLA Bruins men's volleyball team. During his career, Scates has been associated with prominent figures in the sport, including Karch Kiraly, Sinjin Smith, and Doug Partie. His coaching style has been influenced by his experiences with the United States men's national volleyball team and his interactions with coaches like Marv Dunphy and Bill Neville. Scates' achievements have been recognized by organizations such as USA Volleyball and the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

● Early Life and Education

Al Scates was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where he developed a passion for volleyball at a young age. He attended Granada Hills High School and later enrolled at UCLA, where he played for the UCLA Bruins men's volleyball team under the guidance of coach Don Shockey. During his time at UCLA, Scates was exposed to the coaching philosophies of Pete Newell and John Wooden, which would later influence his own coaching style. Scates' education and early experiences were also shaped by his interactions with notable figures in the sport, including Gene Selznick and George Toley.

● Coaching Career

Scates began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the UCLA Bruins men's volleyball team, working under the guidance of Don Shockey and later Fred Sturm. In 1972, he took over as the head coach of the team and went on to lead the UCLA Bruins to numerous NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship titles, including victories over teams like the USC Trojans and the UC Irvine Anteaters. During his tenure, Scates coached notable players like Karch Kiraly, Sinjin Smith, and Steve Salmons, who went on to compete in the Olympic Games and the FIVB Volleyball World Championship. Scates' coaching career has also been marked by his involvement with the United States men's national volleyball team, which has competed in events like the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup and the Pan American Games.

● Achievements and Legacy

Throughout his career, Scates has achieved numerous accolades, including multiple NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship titles and AVCA National Coach of the Year awards. He has been inducted into the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame, alongside notable figures like John Wooden and Bill Walton. Scates' legacy extends beyond his coaching achievements, as he has also made significant contributions to the development of volleyball in the United States. His influence can be seen in the success of teams like the USC Trojans and the UC Irvine Anteaters, which have competed in events like the NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship and the MPSF Tournament. Scates' impact on the sport has also been recognized by organizations like USA Volleyball and the FIVB, which have honored him with awards like the FIVB Lifetime Achievement Award.

● Personal Life

Scates has been married to his wife, Susan Scates, and has two children, Heather Scates and Brent Scates. He has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the UCLA Volleyball Alumni Association and the American Volleyball Coaches Association Foundation. Scates has also been recognized for his contributions to the community, receiving awards like the NCAA Lifetime Achievement Award and the UCLA Community Service Award. His personal life has been influenced by his relationships with notable figures in the sport, including Karch Kiraly and Sinjin Smith, who have competed in events like the Olympic Games and the FIVB Volleyball World Championship. Scates' legacy continues to be celebrated by organizations like USA Volleyball and the American Volleyball Coaches Association, which have honored him with awards like the AVCA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Category:American volleyball coaches