CHICAGO (May 27, 2022) – John Hawks, the 2022 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division I-II Assistant Coach of the Year, has been named head men's volleyball coach at Loyola University Chicago, it was announced today by Director of Athletics Steve Watson. Hawks, who becomes the fifth head coach in Rambler men's volleyball history, has spent the last seven seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at UCLA.
 
"We couldn't be happier to welcome John to Loyola," Watson said. "He is a proven winner, an elite recruiter and has achieved excellence at each of the stops in his coaching career. We are confident that John will continue to build on the winning tradition in our men's volleyball program."
 
Hawks spent the last seven seasons as an assistant coach at UCLA, leading the Bruins' offensive and recruiting efforts. Most recently, Hawks was a driving force behind a powerful Bruins unit that led the nation with a .374 team hitting percentage, while also helping the team claim the top spot in the AVCA Division I-II Coaches' Poll for nine weeks straight. 
 
"First of all, I would like to extend a huge thank you to Athletics Director, Steve Watson and Deputy Athletics Director, Holly Strauss-O'Brien, for truly believing in me and trusting me to lead the Loyola men's volleyball program," Hawks said. "Their vision for Loyola Athletics drew me in and having had the opportunity to meet the wonderful staff and coaches there convinced me that this was the place for me and my family.
 
"I would to thank John Speraw for his unwavering support and guidance for all these years together. Most of all, I appreciate the deep friendship that we have. Coaching alongside him has been an honor for me. I'd also like to thank the outstanding young men on the team and all the support staff at UCLA for believing in me and giving their best each and every day. They all made me a better coach and person. Lastly, thanks to my incredible wife, Julianne, and my girls, for following me on this crazy journey. I can't wait to begin the next chapter of Loyola Rambler Volleyball."
 
During his tenure at UCLA, in which the Bruins posted a 134-54 (.713) overall record, Hawks recruited and helped develop five AVCA All-America selections and a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Player of the Year. On the recruiting side, Hawks has brought in the top recruiting class each of the last four years as the Bruins maintained their status as one of the premier programs in one of the toughest conferences in the nation. 
 
Along with helping UCLA to three NCAA tournament appearances, Hawks served as the head coach for the U.S. National Men's Volleyball Team in the summer of 2019 as his team finished second in the NORCECA Continental Championships. Hawks was also on the coaching staff for two gold medals at the Pan American Cups and a bronze medal at the World University Games. He also helped numerous teams through USA Volleyball receive international recognition. 
 
Hawks has also served as an assistant coach at Long Beach State, USC and UC Irvine, helping the Anteaters to a Final Four appearance in 2006. He also served as the Director of Volleyball at the SPIRE Institute in Ohio. In addition to his coaching success at the collegiate, international and club levels, Hawks was an accomplished high school coach, earning Orange County Register and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Coach of the Year recognition in 2001.
 
Hawks and his wife Julianne will make the move to Chicago with their two daughters, Giavanna and Gabriella. 
 
What They're Saying About Hawks...
 
John Speraw, UCLA Head Coach and U.S. Men's National Team Coach
"In John Hawks, Loyola is getting a proven teacher, winner, connector, recruiter, leader and coach. He is also a dear friend and I am thrilled for him and his wife, Julianne, for this exciting and tremendously well-deserved opportunity. 
 
John has been with me since I started my first head coaching job 20 years ago. Over those years I have leaned on his counsel and intuition as he is gifted at the interpersonal dynamics required to bring out the best in our athletes. His influence on me is immeasurable and his work ethic, passion, teaching and mentorship has impacted all of our athletes both on and off the court. 
 
He will be missed, but he is also ready for this opportunity. John has his own authentic voice, style and philosophy that will be a great asset to Loyola and the culture of its volleyball program. He is a leader of men. I can offer no higher praise." 
 
Matt Werle, Grand Canyon Head Coach
"John is one of the most respected men's volleyball coaches in collegiate athletics and is so well deserving of this position. The Ramblers are lucky to have him.  I am fortunate to have John as a mentor, but humbled to call him a friend.  Not only is John a great coach and recruiter, but he is a great man.  There is no more deserving coach out there to take over such a historically successful program.  I am sad to see John leave the West Coast, but happy that I do not have to compete against him any more in the MPSF.  I could not be happier for the Hawks family and wish them the best in Chicago."
 
David Hunt, Texas Associate Head Women's Volleyball Coach
"John has been around the game at a high level for years! He has worked with some of the best coaches and athletes in our country. John is about people first. He has a genuine love and care for those he works with. A university such as Loyola, that puts values first, is a perfect fit."