Fewer than two months after returning from the youth Olympics in Singapore as the coach of the women’s volleyball team Rod Wilde agreed to temporarily take the position as assistant volleyball coach of the men’s volleyball team at Pepperdine where he was once a standout himself.
Wilde graduated from Pepperdine in 1979 after four years of outstanding volleyball accomplishment. He helped lead the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and ultimately to an NCAA championship in 1978. He helped coach the team to another one when he temporarily took Marv Dunphy’s position as head coach in 1986 when he left to coach the U.S. Olympic team.
Even though his current position is temporary Wilde says he is not opposed to the idea of taking on the position permanently should the position present itself.
Wilde has played and coached with numerous other volleyball programs. He has served as head coach of the women’s program at Drake University the UC San Diego men’s team and assistant coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team from 1993 to 2000. These are only a few of the programs that decorate his resume and add to his experience.
Before proving himself as a coach Wilde showcased his abilities as a player beyond the D-1 level playing for the International Volleyball Association with the Tucson Skye and was expected to play in the 1984 Olympics before he broke his leg in a match against the Soviet Union only six weeks before the games were set to begin.
Since graduating Wiled has been in and out of the coaching staff at Pepperdine including his time during Dunphy’s absence as well as during the final month of the 2008 season as temporary assistant coach similar to what he is doing now.
No matter what the position though Wilde said he is excited to be coaching at his alma mater.
“I’m excited about being back and look forward to working with the guys Wilde told Pepperdine Sports. I see a lot of potential for this team and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to get on the court with them and to see how good they can be.”
