Follow
Coach David Hunt is ending his tenure at Pepperdine after three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
Hunt announced Thursday that he is resigning as the school’s head coach to pursue other coaching opportunities.
“Pepperdine is a special place because it attracts great people. In my 15 years here, I have developed deep, meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime,” Hunt said in a statement. “I came to Pepperdine at 21 years old not really knowing much. I am a better coach and person because of my experience here.”
Hunt in five seasons as the Waves head coach had a 78-38 career record and guided the program to two MPSF Tournament championships. Pepperdine under Hunt won the conference tournament in April as a No. 3 seed and lost to UCLA in the NCAA Tournament opening round on Tuesday.
Pepperdine in its NCAA Tournament appearances with Hunt reached the semifinals in 2019 and lost in the opening round as an at-large bid in 2021.
Hunt was an assistant coach under Marv Dunphy for 10 years and was promoted to be the head coach following the retirement of the Hall of Famer in 2017.
“We have always strived to create a culture based on our core values,” Hunt said in a statement. “We wanted to bring in young men that were of the highest character, athletes that were driven to be the best version of themselves both on the court and in the classroom. I leave Pepperdine knowing that we have accomplished this. Over the past five years, this group of young men has included numerous All-Americans, multiple MPSF championships, a few NCAA appearances and a valedictorian.”
Pepperdine announced Tuesday it will immediately begin its search to replace Hunt as head coach.
“I am deeply saddened that David Hunt will no longer be leading our men’s volleyball program,” Pepperdine Director of Athletics Steve Potts said in a statement. “I believe David to be one of the best volleyball coaches in the country and want to offer our sincere thanks for his commitment and dedication to the continuing growth and success of Pepperdine men’s volleyball. I wish, and expect, great success for David in all of his future coaching activities and beyond.”