South Carolina names José Loiola as new beach volleyball coach

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – South Carolina is bringing a former world champion to lead its beach volleyball program.

José Loiola was announced as the incoming coach of the Gamecocks on Friday.

Loiola was most recently an assistant at UCLA, where he helped lead the Bruins to a 30-6 season last season and a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. He’s also had stops with the Team USA Volleyball Development Program, the 2012 Men’s International Volleyball Federation and the 2015 U21 Junior National Team.

“José Loiola’s background and knowledge in beach volleyball is unmatched,” USC Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati said in a statement. “His success as a player, coach and leader in the sport speaks volumes as to the caliber of coach we are bringing to Columbia. His passion for the sport will build a positive culture in the program. I am excited to have José as our beach volleyball coach.”

Loiola, a native of Brazil, won the 1999 Beach Volleyball World Championship partnering with Emanuel Rego. He also finished second in the 2001 event with Ricardo Santos and represented Brazil in the 2000 Summer Olympic Games.

Loiola also coached several beach volleyball professionals like Sarah Hughes, Kelley Claes and Summer Ross, all of whom went on to win titles in national and international volleyball championships.

Loiola said he is excited to start building a top program at USC.

“I am super excited for the opportunity to become head coach of this program,” he said in a statement. “I feel like everything I have done up to now – going back to get a degree, coaching all different levels of athletes – have led me to this point. The University of South Carolina has a beautiful facility for student-athletes. With my passion for this sport and commitment to develop the player and the person, together, we will make this a place where potential becomes legacy.”

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