Jeff Stork Retires after Storied Volleyball Career
9/17/2020 10:16:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
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NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – Following a long and storied career as both a player and a coach, Director of Women's Volleyball Jeff Stork has announced that he is retiring after 18 years coaching CSUN volleyball.
Stork was named head coach of the Matadors' indoor program on March 15, 2002 and was elevated to Director of Women's Volleyball in 2017. His coaching career is highlighted by 239 wins, the second-most in program history.
In addition to his 18 seasons on the bench for the CSUN indoor volleyball team, he also led the Matador beach volleyball team from the program's inception in 2014 through the 2017 season.
"I'd like to thank Coach Stork for his leadership of the CSUN volleyball program over the past 18 seasons," said Director of Athletics Mike Izzi. "He empowered hundreds of women to pursue their passions both on and off the court. He is truly a Matador legend and has represented not only the athletics department but the entire university with great pride."
Stork, who posted a career record of 239-282 at CSUN, became just the third coach in school history to notch 100 wins when the Matadors defeated San Jose State on Sept. 18, 2010. He won his 200th career match when CSUN topped Cal State Fullerton on Sept. 26, 2014. CSUN upset No. 12 Colorado
State in the first round of the
2013 NCAA Tournament
The Big West Conference Co-Coach of the Year in 2013, Stork led the Matadors to their first-ever Big West championship and a berth in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, a first for CSUN women's volleyball. Stork was also honored by the conference as its Coach of the Year in 2011 after the Matadors finished 16-13 overall and 9-7 in the Big West. In 2012, Stork guided CSUN to 21 victories, which at the time was the most by a Matador team since 1996.
The 2003 and 2004 seasons are also considered to be the most successful seasons of Stork's tenure. In 2003, Stork led the Matadors to a 16-13 overall record and a second-place finish in the Big West at 12-6. The 2003 season proved even more memorable as CSUN was awarded an NCAA berth for the first time since 1996. The following year, Stork coached the Matadors to a 17-11 overall record (11-7 Big West) and CSUN earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.
"We had a lot of great years but when you've coached as long as I have you don't remember exact moments, but you certainly remember the people," said Stork. "We saw a lot of changes over the years but through it all, we were fortunate to have some great players, coaches, staff and administrators at CSUN.
"Ultimately my decision is based on wanting to shift to some different things in my life," Stork added. "There are other things I'd like to do while I'm still healthy, but I'll reflect on the many terrific people that I've worked with at CSUN."
On the court, 51 of Stork's student-athletes earned All-Big West Conference accolades under Stork's tutelage while six players were named All-American. In the classroom, nearly 100 Matadors earned Big West All-Academic honors under Stork's tutelage.
A highly decorated volleyball player himself, Stork picked up many accolades and medals throughout his playing career, including winning the Gold Medal at the 1988 Olympic Games and being named the co-winner (with Doug Partie) of the 1987 USA Volleyball Players Award. Stork also struck Gold at the 1985 NORCECAChampionships, the 1985 World Cup, the 1986 World Championships, the 1987 Savvin Cup and the 1987 Pan-American Games.
Stork's playing career is also highlighted by five additional medals - three silver (1985 Savvin Cup, 1987 NORCECA Championships and the 1991 NORCECAChampionships) and two bronze (1992 Olympic Games and in the 1992 World League). In 2003, Stork was named to the USA Volleyball Men's (1978-2002) 75th Anniversary All-Era Team. More recently, he was one of six legends inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame as the Class of 2012. Stork was also named to the Los Angeles City Section Hall of Fame Class of 2013 as a 1978 graduate of Taft High School.
