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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (December 9, 2024) – USA Volleyball is saddened to learn of the passing of longtime volleyball coach Matt McShane.
Along with a stellar collegiate coaching career, McShane coached with numerous USA Volleyball national teams.
With USA Volleyball, McShane served on the staff of the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team that won gold at the 2010 NORCECA Continental Championship. He also worked with the U.S. Women’s A2 Team as head coach in 2002 and as an assistant in 2007. In 1996, he served on the coaching staff of the U.S. Women’s National Team.
A player as well as a coach, McShane graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 1977 and then earned a master’s from BYU in 1982. An All-American at UCSB, his team finished second at the NCAA Championship in 1974 and 1975. In 1974, the team became the only intercollegiate team to win the Open gold division at the USA Volleyball Open National Championship. In 1981, his BYU club team finished third at Opens.
His collegiate career as an assistant coach included stints at BYU, New Mexico, Cal and Utah. Volleyball Magazine named him one of the 10 Best Assistant Coaches.
In 2010, he became the head coach of the Air Force Academy, where he laid the groundwork for some of the most successful seasons in Air Force’s Division I history. In 2016, he returned to Cal as the associate head coach before taking over head coaching duties in 2017.
Most recently, he was the assistant coordinator of women’s volleyball officials for The Big West Conference.
Dana McShane shared these loving memories of her husband.
“First, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who reached out to offer their sincere condolences for Matt. It’s been two months since he passed, and I still can’t believe he’s gone.
So I would like to take a moment to reflect on the life of my husband Matt McShane, a distinguished volleyball coach and a remarkable human being whose impact on the sport and the lives he touched is profound and enduring.
Matt’s coaching career spanned over four decades, during which he served at esteemed institutions including the University of California, the University of Utah, the University of New Mexico, and Brigham Young University. His tenure as head coach at the U.S. Air Force Academy from 2010 to 2015 was particularly transformative, laying the groundwork for some of the most successful seasons in the Academy’s Division I history.
Beyond his collegiate contributions, Matt’s influence reached the national and international stages. He was an assistant coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team and led the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team to a gold medal at the 2010 NORCECA Continental Championships.
As a player, Matt’s achievements were equally impressive. At UC Santa Barbara, he earned All-America honors in 1975, contributing to teams that finished second at the NCAA Championships in 1974 and 1975. The impact he had on the grassroots level is immeasurable. It’s reflected in the enduring friendships he has had for over 40 years!
However, it was Matt’s character that truly set him apart. Known for his thoughtfulness, care, and unwavering dedication, he was more than a coach; he was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light to many. His legacy is reflected in the countless lives he enriched, both on and off the court.
As we remember Matt McShane, let us celebrate a life lived with passion, integrity, and an enduring commitment to the betterment of others. His spirit will continue to inspire and guide the volleyball community and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”