Men's National Team Assistant Coach

Brian Thornton joined the U.S. Men’s National Team as a coach in 2017.

A graduate of UC Irvine, Thornton ended his career as UCI’s all-time assist leader with 4,662. He was a member of the Anteaters’ 2007 national championship team and was a two-time All-American.

After college, Thornton began a lengthy career with the U.S. Men’s National Team, culminating in a trip to the 2012 Olympic Games as the backup setter. With the U.S., he also competed in the 2011 and 2012 World League (silver in 2011), 2011 World Cup, 2011 NORCECA Men’s Continental Championships (silver), 2009 and 2010 Pan American Cup (gold both times), and the 2007 World University Games (bronze).

He also played professionally, with stints in Spain, France and Poland.