SANTA CRUZ, Ca. -
After a robust national search, the UC Santa Cruz Department of Athletics and Recreation is excited to have selected Chad Koenegstein as the next Head Coach for Women's Volleyball here at UCSC Athletics.
Chad joins UCSC from DIII Colorado College, where he started as the assistant coach in 2018, and worked to assist them through what is their most successful stretch in program history, posting a .791 winning percentage during his time. In 2022 Chad was awarded the AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) Thirty Under 30 award, which honors up-and-coming volleyball coaching talent at all levels of the sport. During his time at Colorado College, he coached 8 All-Americans, and helped lead the team to three NCAA tournament appearances. Prior to Colorado College, Koenegstein worked at USA Volleyball in coaching education and began his collegiate coaching career at University of Colorado Colorado Springs in 2017.
Born and raised in Chester, Illinois, Koenegstein earned a bachelor's in elementary education from Murray State University, and is currently pursuing a master's in sport coaching through University of Denver. For the dog people out there, he comes to Santa Cruz with his two retired show dogs, Theo (GCHB) and Maz (CH) who are Portuguese Water Dogs.
"In addition to the outstanding accolades that come with Chad's coaching career to this point, we are excited to be adding a coach who is passionate about being here at UCSC, and has shown the highest level of commitment, planning, and determination to take our program from good to great. Throughout our process, the search committee worked to identify someone who understands the challenges of our environment, and also has a vision for UCSC Women's Volleyball, and how we can achieve success both on and off the court. Continuing to provide the best in class student-athlete experience, while also competing at a high level is what we are looking to do here at UCSC, and Chad's experience and plan for fusion perfectly align with these goals." - Chris Spells, Director of Athletics and Recreation
"It is the right time to become a Banana Slug. With a team motivated to pursue greatness, an athletic department dedicated to the holistic student-athlete experience, and a campus committed to creating leaders and real change, UCSC is exactly where I want to thrive. It is an honor to join this department and the UCSC community. The history of success is something I intend to uphold via unique and bold leadership. Here is to chasing championships. Go Slugs!" - Chad
Koenegstein, Head Women's Volleyball Coach
