Stanford grad Matt Fuerbringer has stepped down as an assistant coach for the U.S. men’s volleyball national team and will become an assistant coach for the women’s program at Long Beach State.
He’ll be joining his wife, Joy McKienzie-Fuerbringer, who was hired to take over for Brian Gimmillaro, who retired after 32 years.
Fuerbringer, who was hired as Long Beach State’s associate head coach, helped Stanford win its first national title in 1997 before turning pro on the AVP Tour.
McKienzie-Fuerbringer played on the 49ers’ 1993 national championship team and was an assistant at UCLA when it won the 2011 NCAA title.
The pair will also coach the beach volleyball team for at least one season.
McKienzie-Fuerbringer’s brother David played for the national team, including at the 2012 London Olympics.
The U.S. men’s national team just beat Serbia to reach Friday’s semifinals of the FIVB World League Finals in Brazil.
The Americans bounced back from a tough five-set loss to France to beat Serbia, 25-22, 25-23, 19-25, 25-22.
“The best thing about our team is our composure, our togetherness,” team captain and Stanford grad Kawika Shoji said. “There was no panic (after the loss to France). We knew our destiny was in our hands.”
Cardinal grad Erik Shoji was credited with 12 digs and 21 excellent receptions.
Kawika Shoji announced Thursday that he will be playing for the Gi Group Team Monza in Italy next season after being with the Russian team Lokomotiv Novosibirsk.
“It ‘s always been a dream to play the Super League,” Shoji told verovolley.com. “And I expect for this fun adventure competitive but at the same time, we will be facing high-level teams of great players.”
By Palo Alto Online Sports
By Palo Alto Online Sports
By Palo Alto Online Sports