The Santa Barbara Volleyball Club (SBVC) is proud to announce the hiring of Nick Vogel as the Executive Director of SBVC as well as the Director of Boys Volleyball, as the club prepares for a major new chapter with the opening of its new, dedicated volleyball facility in 2027.

Vogel’s addition, alongside Director of Girls Volleyball Keslie Brown, creates a dynamic and highly experienced leadership group. Together with our partnership with the Los Angeles Volleyball Academy (LAVA), they form a powerful administrative team that positions SBVC for continued growth, competitive success, and long-term impact in the Santa Barbara volleyball community.

Effective June 1st, Vogel’s hiring represents a significant investment in the future of SBVC, aligning elite leadership with the club’s continued growth and long-term vision for volleyball in the Santa Barbara community.

Nick Vogel brings an exceptional and diverse coaching background, with experience at the highest levels of both men’s and women’s collegiate volleyball (open resume link here). His coaching career includes impactful roles at UCLA and DePaul University, where he helped develop elite student-athletes and contributed to highly competitive programs.

In addition to his collegiate experience, Vogel has an extensive background in youth club volleyball, where he has built a reputation for developing athletes, fostering strong team culture, and elevating performance across all age levels. His ability to connect with players and families, combined with his deep technical knowledge of the game, positions him as a transformative leader for SBVC.

“Nick is a rare and elite talent, and a welcome addition to our Santa Barbara community,” said Matt Riley, Director of SBVC. “With our new facility on the horizon, it was critical for us to bring in a leader who matches where we’re going as a club. His experience across both the men’s and women’s game, along with his success in youth development, makes him uniquely qualified to lead SBVC. We are thrilled to welcome Nick and his young family to our community.”

SBVC would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Court Young, who has served as the Director of Boys Volleyball over the past year. His leadership has driven a resurgence in participation, strengthened the culture of the program, and delivered meaningful on-court results.

“Court’s leadership and effort—especially as a volunteer to the program—have been instrumental in building a culture that attracts someone of Nick’s caliber,” said Riley. “His role in identifying and helping bring Nick to SBVC was immense, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything he’s done for the club.”

As both the Executive Director of SBVC and the Director of Boys Volleyball, Vogel will oversee all club operations while leading the growth and development of the boys program—an area of increasing focus and opportunity for SBVC.

“My family and I are honored to become part of the Santa Barbara community and the Santa Barbara Volleyball Club at such a pivotal moment in its history,” said Vogel. “From the beginning, it has been clear to me how much warmth and pride surrounds this club. I’m deeply grateful to Matt, Court, Keslie, and the entire leadership group for the trust they have placed in me and the work they have done to move this organization forward.”

SBVC emphasizes continuity and partnership in its leadership structure, with Matt Riley remaining as President of the Board of Directors, Court Young continuing to serve as a board member, and a strong ongoing partnership with LAVA, reinforcing a unified approach to growth, governance, and athlete development.

“What SBVC is creating here is bigger than volleyball alone,” said Vogel. “We have an opportunity to build a club that provides elite training while becoming something more meaningful for young athletes and their families. SBVC will be a place where athletes are cared for, challenged, and fully developed. Where they grow in leadership, character, integrity, and friendship, and where they feel a deep sense of belonging.”

With the new facility set to open in 2027, SBVC is poised to significantly expand its programming and further establish itself as a premier destination for volleyball development on the Central Coast.