ROCKLIN, Calif. — Jessup University has announced the hiring of Mark Knudsen as the new head coach of the Jessup University men's volleyball program. Knudsen brings more than three decades of experience as a player, coach, mentor and leader at the high school, collegiate and professional levels.

Knudsen's volleyball background includes extensive experience at one of the sport's most storied programs. As a student-athlete at UCLA, Knudsen played outside hitter for the Bruins from 1989-1992 and was a member of UCLA's 1989 NCAA National Championship team. He later returned to Westwood to serve as an assistant coach from 1992-1998, working alongside legendary UCLA head coach Al Scates as well as Brian Rofer and John Speraw.

During his six seasons on the UCLA coaching staff, Knudsen helped the Bruins reach the NCAA championship match every year, capturing four NCAA National Championships in 1993, 1995, 1996 and 1998, while finishing as national runner-up in 1994 and 1997.

"Mark brings an incredible depth of experience to our men's volleyball program," said Scott Sorgea, Jessup University Director of Athletics. "His background at UCLA as both a player and coach, combined with his success building championship teams at the high school and collegiate levels, gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to develop a nationally competitive program."

Knudsen's coaching success extends well beyond UCLA. He served as head boys volleyball coach at Valencia High School for nearly a decade and compiled an impressive 255-57 overall record (.817 winning percentage). His teams captured four CIF-Southern Section Division 2 championships, eight Foothill League titles and posted a remarkable 86-0 Foothill League record. In 2008, Valencia was recognized as the High School Boys Volleyball National Champion.

Knudsen was also named The Signal's Boys Volleyball "Coach of the Decade" in 2009 and earned CIF-Southern Section Division 2 Coach of the Year honors four times.

More recently, Knudsen served as an assistant coach for the Moorpark College men's volleyball program in 2025, helping lead the team to an 18-5 record and the 2025 CCCAA Men's Volleyball Northern Region Championship. He has also served as a head and tournament coach with the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), working with men's and women's beach volleyball athletes since 2017.

As a player, Knudsen also competed professionally on the AVP Tour from 1992-1993. His playing career includes multiple state and national beach volleyball championships in addition to his NCAA championship experience at UCLA.

"Beyond the wins and championships, we were looking for someone who understands that building a successful program starts with developing people," Sorgea said. "Mark has demonstrated throughout his career that he knows how to teach the game, develop athletes, build relationships and create a culture of excellence. We believe he is the right person to lead Jessup Men's Volleyball into this next chapter."

Knudsen is equally excited about the opportunity to return to the collegiate game and lead the Jessup program.

"I'm incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the men's volleyball program at Jessup University. Jessup's commitment to developing transformational leaders strongly aligns with what I believe college athletics should be about. We have a talented group of young men, and I'm excited to build on the foundation that's already been established while challenging them to pursue excellence on the court, grow as teammates and leaders, and become men of character who serve others well."

Knudsen also brings extensive experience as a business owner and executive coach. He has served as the owner and president of Gold Mountain Media, Inc. since 2000 and founded The Alternative Board of Ventura County in 2018, where he provides executive coaching and strategic planning for business leaders.

His combination of athletic, coaching and business leadership experience has shaped his approach to building teams and developing individuals. In his introduction to Jessup, Knudsen emphasized his commitment to building a program grounded in honor, integrity, character and competitive excellence, while developing student-athletes who can succeed both on and off the court.

Knudsen will take over a Jessup men's volleyball program that won an NCCAA National Championship in 2025 and competes in the MPSF (Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) against UCLA, USC, Stanford, BYU and more. He inherits a program with aspirations of establishing itself as a nationally respected program and continuing to elevate the student-athlete experience.

"I'm excited about what Mark can help us build at Jessup," Sorgea said. "He understands championship volleyball, but just as importantly, he understands the value of relationships, mentorship and developing young men. We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the Jessup family and look forward to seeing the impact he will have on our student-athletes and our men's volleyball program."  
About Jessup University Athletics Jessup University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II and the PacWest Conference. For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Instagram & X).