USD ASSISTANT TAKES UCLA POSITION

The University of San Diego’s women’s volleyball program has more to replace than three All-Americans. The Toreros are now in search of an associate head coach after Alfee Reft was named UCLA’s women’s head coach Monday.

“Frankly, I’m elated to be part of a program like UCLA, part of this Bruin family with a rich history of success,” Reft said. “I’m feeling extremely grateful to be given the trust to take over this program.”

Reft had been USD’s associate head coach since the spring of 2020 and is credited by head coach Jennifer Petrie and players for playing a key role in the Toreros advancing to the Final Four for the first time in program history last week.

“This is a dream come true (for Reft),” said Petrie. “He’s completely ready to take on the helm of that program and bring it to national prominence. I’m super excited for him and excited to see what he does with that program.

“I’m so grateful for the time he put into USD and our program. It’s an honor that we are turning out the caliber of staff and players who are wanted on a national stage.”

Reft was a two-time AllAmerican

libero at the University of Hawaii and went on to play for the men’s national team for nearly seven years. He was an alternate on the 2008 Olympic team that won gold in Beijing.

He coached previously at Minnesota and Illinois before coming to USD.

The Toreros were 64-15 (.810) in Reft’s three seasons at USD and this season had three All-Americans for the first time in one season.

“It was just tremendous growth working under Jen Petrie at that program that has been established for so long,” Reft said. “I feel I was able to solidify, really put my foot into the ground regarding the coach I am and want to be.”

Of Reft’s hire, fifth-year senior and All-American outside hitter Katie Lukes said, “I’m not surprised. This was the natural progression for him as a coach. Obviously it’s bittersweet. You don’t want to see him go, but are super happy for him. It’s well deserved.”

On another note, the American Volleyball Coaches Association came out with its final 2022 rankings Monday. USD was ranked third, behind national champion Texas and runnerup Louisville.