DAVIS, Calif. – Joe Rich will become the third head coach in UC Davis beach volleyball history, announced today, June 30, by Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca. Rich 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," 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. He comes to Davis from Cal Poly, where he spent two seasons as the assistant coach. In his 2022 campaign, 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 towards success, fostering a culture of unity and growth, and developing both exceptional athletes and well-rounded individuals."
 
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.


What Others Are Saying

"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." - Todd Rogers, Olympic Gold Medalist, Head Beach Volleyball Coach for Cal Poly
 
"Joe, my coach, mentor, and friend, has been an unwavering source of support and guidance throughout my beach volleyball journey. From the moment he took me under his wing in high school and helped me secure a scholarship at my dream school, Florida State, his influence has been immeasurable. Even as our paths diverged when he began coaching at Grand Canyon University and later at Cal Poly under Todd Rogers, Joe remained a constant presence, always pushing me to be my best. When I embarked on my coaching career at FSU, it was a joy to compete against him, our shared passion fueling the fire on both sides. As I transitioned into the professional realm of this sport, Joe was my first call, offering invaluable coaching, guidance, and wisdom. His dedication to the sport and his ability to build successful programs are unmatched, making him the perfect fit to lead his own program at UC Davis. Joe's impact on my life and countless others is immeasurable, and I am forever grateful for his resolute support." - Alaina Chacon, Assistant Beach Volleyball Coach at Florida State.
 
"My club players love attending Cal Poly SLO beach volleyball camps. They always enjoy Coach Joe Rich's feedback and he knows how to teach the game.  As a Club Director, I have had a lot of communication with Joe in the recruiting process. He's thorough and organized in everything he does. He will certainly be a great asset to the UC Davis program." - Patty Dodd, Director MB Sand, USAV Head NTDP Coach
 
"I had the pleasure of having Joe as my assistant for four years at GCU. I learned so much from working with him. He is very knowledgeable and has a tremendous passion for the sport. He has always had the goal of having a program he can call his own. I couldn't be more excited for UC Davis and Joe getting to make that dream a reality."  - Kristen Rohr, Head Beach Volleyball Coach. Arizona State University