UCLA has appointed Theo Brunner as the new assistant coach for its women’s beach volleyball team, effective immediately. This announcement was made by Jenny Johnson Jordan, head coach of UCLA’s women’s beach volleyball team. Brunner takes over from Jose Loiola, who recently became the head coach of South Carolina’s beach volleyball program.
Brunner is recognized for his experience in coaching top-level athletes, including USA Olympic team members Miles Partain and Andy Benesh. His coaching career includes a stint at Vibe Volleyball Lab in El Segundo, California, from 2020 to 2023, where he focused on developing young athletes aged 8-18. Additionally, he served as the head coach for USC Men’s Club Volleyball Team between September 2019 and March 2020.
“Theo is no stranger to elite beach volleyball with his playing career and as a coach,” said Johnson Jordan. “He is a true student of the game and I know that he will bring a fresh perspective to the team from his own career. We are beyond excited to have him join the team and our Bruin family.”
Brunner has been involved in individual training sessions and mentorship for both professional and amateur players. He has also conducted numerous clinics across the country and supported USA Beach National Team Scout Brian Hurler during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A former standout indoor player at UC Santa Barbara, Brunner earned First-Team All-America honors in 2007 and served as team captain in 2008. He played professionally overseas before transitioning to beach volleyball.
His achievements on the sand include seven AVP titles such as the AVP Championship (2013) and multiple Hermosa Beach Opens (2018, 2022, 2023). He has been named AVP’s Best Blocker four times throughout his career. Internationally, Brunner secured two bronze medals at major events and reached fourth place at the World Championships in The Netherlands in 2015.
Brunner graduated with a degree in philosophy from UC Santa Barbara in 2008.
