South Carolina Beach Volleyball just leveled up big time with a new head coach. The Gamecocks have officially hired José Loiola, a former World Champion and Olympian, as the next coach of the volleyball program. Loiola is highly regarded as one of the most talented minds in the sport, and he is bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to Columbia.
Loiola joins the Gamecocks after a standout stint as an assistant at UCLA, where he helped to guide the Bruins to a 30-6 season, and the No. 1 seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. He arrives with an extensive resume from coaching with Team USA's Development Program to the U21 National Team.
Before dominating at the coaching level, Loiola dominated in the sand himself. The Brazilian native won the 1999 Beach Volleyball World Championship with Emanuel Rego and earned Olympic honors by competing in the 2000 Sydney Games. Loiola's second-place finish in the 2001 World Championships with Ricardo Santos cemented his status as one of the best to ever do it.
South Carolina Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati referred to Loiola's hiring as a game-changer:
“José’s background and knowledge in beach volleyball is unmatched. His passion will create a culture of excellence here in Columbia.”
And Loiola himself said, “Everything I’ve done in my life has led me here. With my passion and commitment to developing both the player and the person, we will make this a place where potential becomes legacy.”
The beach is coming to Columbia, and it is bringing a champion with it.