A Legacy of Excellence: Exploring the History of UCLA Volleyball Coaches

The UCLA volleyball program boasts a rich and storied history, marked by unparalleled success and the contributions of visionary coaches. From the pioneering efforts of Al Scates in the men's program to the sustained excellence of Andy Banachowski and the modern achievements of Michael Sealy and John Speraw, UCLA has consistently been a dominant force in collegiate volleyball. This article delves into the legacies of these coaches, exploring their accomplishments, coaching philosophies, and lasting impact on the sport.

Allen Scates: The Architect of a Dynasty

Allen Edward Scates, born on June 13, 1939, stands as a monumental figure in volleyball history. Serving as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins for 48 years, Scates is the winningest volleyball coach in NCAA history. His remarkable tenure saw the Bruins capture 19 NCAA titles, a record he shares with Arkansas' John McDonnell (Indoor Track and Field) for the most NCAA titles won by a coach in a single sport. Scates' teams achieved collegiate volleyball championships across five decades, solidifying his place as a true legend.

From Player to Pioneer

Scates' journey to coaching greatness began in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, where he attended Westchester High School. A tall and athletic individual, he participated in basketball and football during his high school years. Initially aiming for a career in coaching football at the high school level, Scates majored in physical education at Santa Monica College.

His introduction to volleyball came unexpectedly when his college football coach mandated that players try out for the volleyball team to maintain fitness during the off-season. Despite not making the team initially, Scates' interest was piqued by a basketball teammate who excelled at volleyball. Inspired, Scates frequented State Beach in Santa Monica, honing his skills and developing a passion for the sport.

In 1959, Scates transferred to UCLA and earned a spot on the volleyball team as a walk-on. As a left-handed outside hitter, he proved to be a valuable asset, particularly in the right front position. The team competed against various college club teams, with the USVBA Open National tournament serving as the year's highlight.

Building a Program from the Ground Up

At the age of 24, Scates transitioned from player to coach when the UCLA volleyball coach took a sabbatical. Despite his surprise, Scates accepted the opportunity. He met with Athletic Director Wilbur Johns, who offered no financial compensation for the coaching role due to Scates' desire to compete in the 1964 Olympics. At the time, accepting payment for coaching or playing would have jeopardized his amateur status and Olympic eligibility.

The program operated on a meager budget. In Scates' first year, the volleyball team received a mere $100 in funding. The team's uniforms consisted of discarded basketball uniforms, and Scates and the players personally covered expenses such as shoes, socks, and tournament entry fees.

Despite these challenges, Scates led the team to a 26-3 record in his inaugural year in 1963, securing second place at the USVBA national championship.

Dominance in the NCAA Era

In 1970, men's volleyball gained NCAA championship sport status. Scates and the Bruins swept Long Beach State University to claim the first NCAA title in volleyball. They continued their dominance, winning the subsequent two years and securing six of the first seven NCAA Championships. From 1981 to 1984, Scates' teams achieved an unprecedented feat, winning four consecutive national championships, the longest streak by any men's volleyball team.

Coaching Philosophy and Innovation

Scates was known for his intense competitiveness and designed his practices to emphasize competition and intensity. Practices were fast-paced, with high repetitions and minimal downtime between drills. He focused on coaching and maintaining momentum simultaneously.

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John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, profoundly influenced Scates. Scates observed Wooden's practices, noting his ability to change drills quickly and eliminate downtime.

The Bruins volleyball team had an "A" squad and a developmental squad, separated by a large blue curtain. Players constantly competed for positions on the "A" squad. Scates implemented a scoring system during practices, and players' positions on the team depended on their scores. Coaches with the development squad could recommend players for promotion, and Scates would review scores and demote "A" court players as needed. The scoring system ensured that decisions were objective and impartial.

John Speraw, a former player and current head coach at UCLA, noted that Scates maintained objectivity by remaining somewhat detached from the players. This approach ensured that decisions were not personal. Scates valued competitiveness and sought players who possessed a strong aversion to losing.

Karch Kiraly, a UCLA alumnus, observed that Scates recruited players who shared his intense desire to win and aversion to defeat.

Scates revolutionized the sport by transforming it from a deliberate game to a fast-paced spectacle. He introduced quick setting and an offensive style that remains prevalent today.

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Legacy and Recognition

Scates retired from the UCLA Bruins with a career record of 1,239-290, surpassing any other collegiate coach in terms of matches coached. He played a pivotal role in developing numerous volleyball players, including 7 NCAA Players of the Year, 27 Olympians and national team members, and launching countless coaching careers. Former Scates' players have held coaching positions with both the Bruins men's and women's teams, including Andy Banachowski and Mike Sealy.

In 2006, Scates and the Bruins secured their final national championship with a victory over Penn State University. Scates considered the 2006 UCLA Bruins, who overcame a 12-12 start to finish with a 14-game winning streak, as one of his favorite teams.

Scates received NCAA coach of the year honors in 1984, 1987, and 1993. His teams hold ten NCAA records, including most consecutive victories (48), most consecutive home wins (83), and most consecutive tournament wins (14).

After 50 seasons, Scates retired at the end of the 2012 season, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy as the most successful coach in the history of the sport. He has been inducted into numerous halls of fame, including The American Volleyball Coaches Association, The UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame, The California Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame, and the Volleyball Hall of Fame. He was the first active coach inducted into the UCLA and Volleyball Halls of Fame.

In retirement, Scates expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to coach the exceptional individuals who have represented UCLA volleyball.

Andy Banachowski: A Women's Volleyball Pioneer

Andy Banachowski, a UCLA graduate, played volleyball for Scates' Bruin squads. Banachowski holds the distinction of being the all-time winningest coach in women's volleyball history. During his remarkable 30 seasons at UCLA, Andy's Bruins achieved an impressive 812-175 record. Throughout his tenure, UCLA consistently ranked among the top four teams, amassing a postseason record of 119-22. He guided UCLA to six national championships.

Under Banachowski's leadership, UCLA secured three national titles in the 1970s. In the 1980s, the Bruins captured an NCAA title (1984) and made seven Final Four appearances, finishing second twice. The Bruins achieved back-to-back NCAA titles in 1990 and 1991, followed by a second-place finish in 1992 after an undefeated regular season, and a 30-2 record in 1993.

Throughout his career at UCLA, he coached six Olympians, 15 US National Team members, 21 Volleyball Monthly Magazine All-Americans, 16 AVCA All-Americans, 12 NCAA All-Tournament Team selections, and 22 professional beach volleyball players.

Banachowski's numerous awards and recognitions include being named PAC-10 Coach of the Year four times (1988, 1989, 1993, and 1994) and AVCA Coach of the Year nationally in 1989 and regionally in 1989, 1992, and 1993. He also earned Coach of the Year honors from Volleyball Monthly Magazine four times.

In addition to coaching the UCLA women's team, Banachowski served as the men's assistant to Scates for six years, contributing to national titles.

Michael Sealy: Continuing the Tradition

Upon the retirement of Andy Banachowski, Michael Sealy assumed the head coaching position at his alma mater. Sealy spent 13 years with the Bruins as a coach and four years as a player and assistant coach, winning three national titles.

Following graduation, Sealy immediately pursued a professional career. He then served as an assistant coach for the UCLA men's volleyball team from 2003 to 2006, securing his second national title overall and his sole championship as an assistant coach. During those four years, UCLA achieved a 91-38 overall record.

Hawai'i marked Sealy's first role as an associate head coach. There, he played a crucial role in guiding the Rainbow Warriors to a national semifinals appearance in 2009 and consecutive 30-plus win seasons.

Sealy's tenure with UCLA saw him named Pac-12 Coach of the Year twice. However, he failed to secure a bid to the national stage three times in 13 years. On December 10, Sealy announced his formal resignation from the program, leaving behind an overall record of 273-128.

John Speraw: A Bruin Through and Through

John Speraw's connection to UCLA volleyball spans decades, encompassing roles as a player, assistant coach, and ultimately, head coach. Speraw took the helm of UCLA men's volleyball in 2013 and secured his first title as the Bruins' head coach in 2023, remaining with the program today.

Following his graduation, Speraw served as a volunteer assistant coach with the UCLA men's volleyball team while also working at the UCLA hospital. Speraw and Sealy reunited as assistants under then-head coach Al Scates from 2003-2005.

After 12 years as a player and coach at UCLA, Speraw accepted a head coaching position at UC Irvine's men's volleyball program. Named the AVCA National Coach of the Year for the first time in 2006, Speraw led Irvine to titles in 2007, 2009, and 2012.

UCLA welcomed Speraw back in 2012 as he assumed head coaching duties of a team six years removed from the national stage. It wasn't until 2016 that the team returned to the NCAA tournament.

Speraw's influence extends beyond the collegiate level, as he coached the U.S. Men's National Team in 2013 and qualified for the 2016 Olympics, capturing a bronze medal. He most recently guided UCLA to its best season since the turn of the millennium, compiling a record 31 wins alongside 21 sweeps. Speraw earned MPSF Coach of the Year honors and a program-best seven All-Americans.

Stein Metzger: From Indoor to Beach Volleyball Dominance

Stein Metzger's contributions to UCLA volleyball are multifaceted, encompassing his achievements as a player, assistant coach, and head coach of the beach volleyball program. The former coach left UCLA for Texas at the close of the 2023 season after securing a total of six national titles for his alma mater.

Metzger's senior campaign mirrored Speraw's and Sealy's, with the Bruins winning a national title and Metzger earning an All-Tournament team mention.

Upon graduation, Metzger transitioned to professional beach volleyball on the AVP world tour. With the announcement of UCLA beach volleyball as a sport the following year, Metzger took the helm, guiding a team of mostly indoor players while continuing his assistant coaching duties under Sealy.

In his 11 years with the team, Metzger transformed a nascent sport into a prominent program at UCLA, posting a 266-61 overall record. He coached his first Olympian - Sarah Sponcil, who qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games.

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