Exciting Leadership Change: CUI Tabs Girten to Head Men’s Volleyball Program at Concordia University Irvine

Concordia University Irvine’s athletics department is thrilled to introduce Jon Girten as the new head coach for the men’s volleyball team. With 16 years of coaching experience, Girten has strong connections to the Southwest region.

Most recently, Girten served as an assistant coach at Grand Canyon University, competing in the same Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) as Concordia. He also helped UC San Diego find success for seven seasons as lead assistant and briefly as interim head coach. Additionally, Girten spent more than a decade coaching at Mt. Carmel High School in San Diego and working with local volleyball clubs to help young athletes improve their skills.

During his time at Grand Canyon, Girten assisted in developing four All-MPSF selections and helped the Lopes finish with a solid 18-10 record. This achievement was notable given the mid-season departure of their head coach, as Girten and his colleague shared interim coaching duties to support the players.

Girten is excited about his new role, highlighting the beautiful campus and positive atmosphere at Concordia. "This opportunity is an incredible blessing,” he said. He aims to create a supportive environment for student-athletes rooted in both academic excellence and faith-based values.

Girten’s experience at UC San Diego included guiding the team to a top national ranking and navigating challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. His former head coach at UCSD, Brad Rostratter, praised him for his balance of passion and joy in coaching.

Beyond the collegiate level, Girten has been active in club volleyball, coaching youth teams to competitive success. His ability to connect with players, recruits, and alumni will be essential as he builds relationships within the Concordia community.

Looking ahead, Girten is eager to foster a positive and competitive culture in the men’s volleyball program. "I want everyone connected to Concordia men’s volleyball to feel respected and appreciated," he stated.

As a NCAA Division II school, Concordia has a proud history, including winning the NAIA National Championship in 2013. This past season, the Golden Eagles won 10 games, including their first MPSF Tournament victory since 2018.

With Girten at the helm, the future looks bright for Concordia men’s volleyball. The combination of his experience, passion, and the university’s supportive environment promises exciting developments for the team.

For more insights into NCAA volleyball’s evolution, check out the NCAA’s official site.

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