Marquette University has appointed Tom Mendoza as the sixth head coach of its women’s volleyball program, the university announced on Sunday. The hiring was confirmed by Vice President and Director of Athletics Mike Broeker.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tom Mendoza to Marquette,” Broeker said. “His track record of success at the highest level, along with his ability to build competitive teams, makes him a great fit. His understanding of athletics in a Catholic, Jesuit environment aligns perfectly with our values.”
Mendoza brings nine years of NCAA Division I head coaching experience, including seven seasons at the University of South Carolina. He led the Gamecocks to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including back-to-back berths in 2018 and 2019. Before joining USC, he coached at High Point University, where he won consecutive Big South Conference titles in 2017 and 2018.
Building a Winning Culture
Mendoza is eager to begin his tenure at Marquette.
“I want to thank Marquette President Dr. Kimo Ah Yun, Mike Broeker, and Danielle Josetti for entrusting me with this program,” Mendoza said. “I look forward to building on the team’s history and success while aiming for new heights. As college athletics becomes more transactional, Marquette’s values-based approach will help us attract and develop outstanding student-athletes.”
During his time at South Carolina, Mendoza led the program to its first back-to-back 20-win seasons in nearly two decades. In 2018, his team secured its first NCAA Tournament win in 16 years by defeating Colorado. The following year, they upset No. 10 Colorado State in the tournament’s opening round—South Carolina’s first victory over a top-10 opponent since 2006.
Under Mendoza’s leadership, five South Carolina players earned All-SEC honors, including two-time AVCA All-American Mikayla Robinson. His teams also excelled academically, with every squad earning AVCA Team Academic Awards and 74 SEC Academic Honor Roll selections over six seasons.
A Career of Success
Before South Carolina, Mendoza made a name for himself at High Point University. In 2017, he was named AVCA Southeast Region Coach of the Year after leading High Point to a perfect 16-0 conference record and an NCAA Tournament at-large bid. His success at HPU followed a six-year stint at Creighton, where he served as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. Mendoza was part of five NCAA Tournament appearances and multiple conference championships with the Bluejays.
The Illinois native has deep Midwest ties and sees potential for Marquette to thrive on a national stage.
“I have fond memories of my time in the BIG EAST and believe Marquette has what it takes to compete for championships regularly,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza, a former NAIA All-American setter at Newman University, completed his college career at Lewis University, where he earned a degree in management information systems.
The Golden Eagles finished last season with a 25-9 record and will look to build on that success under Mendoza’s leadership.
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