USD Magazine Fall 2026

TORERO ATHLETICS

What attracted you to the opportunity to become USD’s first-ever beach volleyball head coach? After I graduated from the University of Oregon, I came down to San Diego to live and play volleyball, and I knew this is where I wanted to be. I also believed beach volleyball would eventually come to San Diego; that one of the universities would start a program. I knew the competition to lead that program would be intense, so I’ve spent a lot of time building my résumé and preparing for an opportunity like this. Being here is really the sum of a lot of work and sacrifice, for both me and my family. I’m really looking forward to our first season. When did you realize it was something more than just a sport? I don’t know if there was one particular moment. I do remember when I was playing that people would tell me I reminded them of my dad [father Brock is an accomplished player and coach], and realizing how much we shared that passion for the game and that connection. Volleyball really became a shared experience for us … all parts of it … and that’s stayed with me. How has volleyball shaped your perspective? One of the best things about this sport is that it’s truly global. People are passionate about volleyball everywhere, and they love the game as much — or even more — than we do here in the United States. I had the opportunity to play in a lot of different places, and that was incredible. It really opened my eyes to a lot of different ideas and cultures. In 2020, I was contacted about coaching a team in Morocco with the goal of qualifying for the Olympics. It was really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Moving across the world for more than a year when you’re married is very different from doing it as a player, and my wife’s support meant everything. We were able to qualify a Moroccan team for the Tokyo Olympics, which was an amazing accomplishment. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic restrictions, I wasn’t able to travel to Japan with the team. That took a little bit of air out of the balloon, but I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

Serving up a New Era USD Women’s Beach Volleyball Coach Derek Olson Is Setting Up for Success As the first head coach of the University of San Diego’s women’s beach volleyball program, Derek Olson isn’t just preparing for the program’s inaugural season — he’s laying the foundation for the future of Torero Beach Volleyball. From discovering his passion for the sport through his family’s influence to coaching on the international stage and helping Morocco qualify for the Olympic Games, Olson brings a wealth of experience to USD. He recently sat down to discuss his journey, what drew him back to San Diego and the type of program culture he and his staff hope to build.

“What excites me most is getting to be a part of something completely new and having the opportunity to help pave the way for the future of the program.” — Nikole Egan

As you begin recruiting and building this program, what qualities are you looking for in your student-athletes? These athletes are already highly skilled by the time they arrive here. They’ve had success in high school, in club volleyball or at another university. We’re not just looking for great athletes, we’re looking for great people who believe in what USD stands for and who want to use this opportunity to grow in every aspect of their lives. I think this university is deeply committed to student-athletes discovering the best versions of themselves, both on and off the court. I want players who are excited about that kind of growth and who are willing to challenge themselves academically, athletically and personally. What does having a dedicated home venue mean for the future of the program? It’s an absolute game-changer on so many levels. For our student-athletes, it means they’ll be able to do all of their training right here on campus instead of driving to the South Mission Beach courts for practice and then coming back for strength training, recovery and meetings. Having everything in one place really helps us optimize our time with the team.

I think it’s also huge for our fans. Having a home venue on campus gives us the opportunity to connect with the USD community in ways we simply couldn’t if we were competing off campus. Students can stop by after class, alumni can come out and support us … we can really create an exciting match-day atmosphere. Just seeing the [construction plans] and watching the facility take shape has been incredible. I’m so excited for it to be finished, and I know our players and fans will be, too. What will a successful first year look like for USD Women’s Beach Volleyball? To be honest, I don’t really know. When you’re building a program from the ground up, you’re learning a lot of things in real time. I know we’re bringing in some really talented athletes, and I think we can compete right away within our conference and nationally. But more importantly, success will be seeing our student-athletes grow as people … to challenge themselves in ways they may not have before, both on the sand and in the classroom. I think this program, and this university, will provide that kind of experience, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.

Interview by Mike Sauer

Coach Derek Olson began the first practice of the season down at the South Mission Beach courts while the construction of the beach volleyball courts on campus progresses. With its launch, USD becomes San Diego’s first Division I beach volleyball program.

SEE THE FUTURE of USD Beach Volleyball; renderings and updates on construction. sandiego.edu/beach-vb

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Photos: Anderson Haigler/USD Athletics