IRVINE, Calif. – After 14 seasons and more than 280 wins serving as the head coach of the Concordia University Irvine women's volleyball team, Olympian Paula Weishoff announced in June that she is retiring.

A three-time Olympian who led Team USA to the silver medal in 1984 and the bronze in 1992, Weishoff has won over 300 career games during her time as head coach at both Concordia and nearby UC Irvine.

Her 286 wins during her two stints at Concordia rank first all-time in program history and are more than three times as many victories than Mary Holl, who ranks second in the record book with 95 wins.

"I want to express my deepest appreciation to the student-athletes that I have coached in my time here at CUI," said Weishoff. "They have not only allowed me to share my knowledge and passion for volleyball but have also taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and resilience. It has been a joy to witness their growth, both as athletes and as individuals, and I am immensely proud of each class that I have coached."
 
"On behalf of our athletics department, I want to thank Paula for all that she has invested into our women's volleyball program and to the institution," said CUI athletic director Crystal Rosenthal.  "She has poured into the lives of so many student-athletes on and off the court, and just like her storied playing career she has left a huge mark as a coach here at Concordia.  I have been a part of both of her coaching stints here at CUI and consider her not only a colleague but a friend.  It is bittersweet to lose her as our head coach, but I am so happy for her to pursue her other passions as she moves out of coaching at the college level.  I wish her God's richest blessings as she embarks on the next chapter, and look forward to hearing of all of her next adventures."

Among her and her teams many accomplishments, Weishoff led the 2016 Concordia squad to the first PacWest Conference title in any sport in the NCAA DII era.  Seven of her 14 teams won at least 20 games. During the early stages of the 2019 campaign, she captured career win No. 300 during a tournament hosted by Point Loma down in San Diego.

The proud USC alum and graduate of West Torrance High School holds many great memories during her time on the coaching sidelines, but the relationships and bonds with the people who have been a part of her journey are most important to her.

"As I reflect on my time here, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude," added Weishoff. "Working as an athletic coach has been more than just a job for me; it has been a calling and a privilege. I have had the honor of working with incredibly talented athletes, dedicated colleagues, and supportive administrators who have all contributed to making my time here deeply rewarding. I will always hold a special place in my heart for CUI Athletics. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this incredible community and for entrusting me with the responsibility of shaping the lives of our student-athletes."

"I want to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of my journey at CUI," she continued. "Your support, encouragement, and friendship have meant the world to me, and I will carry these memories with me always. My passion for CUI Athletics and my support for CUI women's volleyball will never waver. I look forward to cheering from the sidelines and staying connected with all of you."

"We are excited to open a national search and pursue the best possible candidates to lead our women's volleyball program moving forward," said Rosenthal.

The 2024 season begins the first week of September when Concordia hosts the Golden Eagle Invitational over a three-day period. That includes the regular season home opener on Thursday, Sept. 5 when the Golden Eagles host Colorado Christian at 7 p.m.

CLICK HERE for the new 2024 CUI women's volleyball schedule

Please join us in congratulating Paula on a fabulous Concordia career as she closes this chapter for what lies ahead!