Former Kansas associate head coach and offensive coordinator Matt Werle will serve as the fifth head coach of UCLA women’s volleyball, UCLA Athletics announced Friday.  

“I would like to thank Director of Athletics Martin Jarmond, Senior Associate Athletics Director Dr. Kenny Donaldson, and the entire UCLA Athletic Department for the opportunity to lead this prestigious program,” Werle said in a written statement. “My family and I are truly humbled and honored, and I do not take this responsibility lightly. I have long admired UCLA Athletics and am excited to build upon the excellence and tradition already in place.”  

Werle joins the Bruins coming off a successful season stint with the Jayhawks. Kansas reached the Sweet Sixteen after hosting in the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament in December under his guidance.

However most of his collegiate coaching has taken place at Grand Canyon University, where he spent 10 seasons as head of the men’s volleyball program building it into a national candidate. 

Werle posted an overall record of 154-93 in his time with the Antelopes, leading the program to historic accomplishments – including the program’s first NCAA tournament win and first MPSF championship.

“Matt Werle is a proven winner who develops student-athletes,” Jarmond said in a written statement. “He understands what it takes to build a successful program, having led Grand Canyon to its first MPSF championship and first NCAA tournament win. He has won at every level as a coach and as a player, and I have confidence that he will keep this program on an upward trajectory. We are excited to welcome Matt, his wife and his two children to Westwood!”

Werle’s personal accolades consist of MPSF and AVCA National Coach of the Year, as well as collecting the most wins in program history with the Lopes, and was the first head coach at the school to reach 100 career wins. 

He began his coaching career at Mesa Community College in 2014 through 2016, running the women’s program. 

Werle’s experience on the court is just as extensive as his coaching. Serving as a setter, he was a four-time All-American on three NCAA division III championship teams at Juniata College. With national experience including the starting position for Team USA at the Junior World Championships in 2007, Werle also trained with the men’s national team in 2010.

“Matt’s coaching résumé and accolades speak for themselves, but what truly impressed me was his character and the way people spoke about the impact he had on the lives of the student-athletes he came into contact with,” said senior associate athletics director Kenny Donaldson. “I am confident that our student-athletes will develop and be successful both on and beyond the court under Matt’s leadership.”

Born and raised in San Mateo, California, Werle comes from a place with a little Bruin volleyball history. Former coach and UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame member Andy Banachowski also comes from San Mateo. 

The Bruins are coming off their first visit to the NCAA tournament last season ending a three year drought. And with no major transfers out of Westwood, Werele will be entering his stint with a team now familiarized with each other.  

“The character, competitiveness, and potential of this team are incredibly inspiring, and I look forward to working together to achieve our shared goals. Go Bruins!” Werle said in a written statement.