HIGH POINT, N.C. – High Point University athletic director Dan Hauser has named Tom Mendoza as the 11th head coach in the volleyball program’s history.
Mendoza comes to HPU after six seasons at Creighton University, most recently serving as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator over the past three campaigns.
During that six-year stretch, Mendoza has helped guide the Bluejays to six conference titles, five NCAA Tournament bids and a berth in the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2015.
He will be the program’s fourth head coach since moving into Division I competition.
“We are thrilled to announce Tom Mendoza as our new volleyball coach at High Point University,” Hauser said. “Tom brings extensive national recruiting experience as well as championship success both at the conference level and in the NCAA Tournament. I have full confidence in his ability to lead High Point University to national prominence. This is truly an exciting day for HPU volleyball.”
During Mendoza’s time in Omaha, the Bluejays recorded a 142-57 (.714) mark in conference play en route to the six league titles – four in the Big East and two in the Missouri Valley. The team made its first NCAA Tournament appearance in program history in 2010 and rattled off a string of five NCAA berths in six seasons from there.
Prior to Mendoza’s arrival at Creighton, the program had compiled just two 20-win seasons in 16 tries, but produced five such campaigns in his six years on the sidelines.
“I would like to thank High Point University president Dr. Nido Qubein, athletic director Dan Hauser and the entire HPU athletics family for this tremendous opportunity,” Mendoza said. “The excitement surrounding the growth of this athletic department and this outstanding university is palpable. I am excited to play my part in developing our student-athletes both on and off the court here at High Point University.”
Creighton, which had never appeared in the AVCA Top 25 prior to 2012, has spent 49 weeks in the poll over the past four seasons. Meanwhile, Mendoza helped the team claim a 50-8 record in Big East competition, winning both the regular season and tournament crowns in 2014 and 2015.
The Buffalo Grove, Ill. native has proven to be a distinguished recruiter, most recently bringing in PrepVolleyball’s 11th-rated class for the 2015 cycle. Mendoza, who worked directly with the middle blockers and setters for the Bluejays, aided middle blocker Kelli Browning in becoming a three-time AVCA All-American. Likewise, Lauren Smith, another middle blocker, garnered AVCA Honorable Mention All-America accolades in 2015 under his tutelage.
Similarly, Mendoza – who was a collegiate volleyball setter – coached two AVCA All-American setters in Michelle Sicner and Megan Bober. Bober earned Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors in 2012 when the Bluejays posted 17-1 record in league play.
Mendoza was hired at Creighton in June of 2010 after spending the 2009 season at the University of Evansville. While with the Purple Aces, Mendoza trained the setters, outside hitters and primary passers. He also was a key cog in the recruiting process for the Purple Aces program.
He arrived at Evansville after spending two seasons as the volunteer assistant at Michigan State. During his time with the Spartans, the program appeared in the 2007 NCAA Sweet 16. Mendoza also served on the Michigan State volleyball summer camp staff in 2007 and 2008 and directed Spartan Session volleyball camps and clinics.
A three-year letter winner in volleyball at Newman University and a one-year letter winner at Lewis University, Mendoza put together an outstanding collegiate career. He was a 10-time Mid-America Men’s Volleyball Intercollegiate Conference Setter of the Week and was a three-time all-conference selection. He also was named an NAIA All-American.
Mendoza received his bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill.
What They Are Saying:
“Tom started with us at a young age and showcased his great volleyball mind from the start. He was able to maximize the potential of our players. He’s done an exceptional job at Creighton and it’s been a pleasure to watch him grow and advance over the years. The maturity he has gained, coupled with his eagerness and passion for the game, makes him an exceptional hire for High Point.” – Cathy George, Head Coach, Michigan State University
“Tom did such a great job at Creighton. He’s high character and he relates well with his players and his staff. He has an excellent knowledge of the game. High Point landed an up and coming coach in our profession and I think he’ll accomplish great things with the program.” – Kirsten Bernthal Booth, Head Coach, Creighton University
“I think Tom is a great hire for High Point. He understands what it takes for a program to be successful and has been a part of that culture. He has an eye for talent, can develop players and cultivates a winning culture.” – Ryan Theis, Head Coach, Marquette University