Grand Forks, N.D. – University of North Dakota athletics director Bill Chaves announced today that University of New Mexico top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Jesse Tupac has been hired as the 14^th leader of Fighting Hawk volleyball.

"During the interview process, Jesse really distinguished himself articulating a great vision for the program both in the short term and sustained long term," said Chaves.  "In addition, his background in international volleyball, The Summit League, other Division I conferences and statistical analysis is something that we believe will help move this program back to where it was just a few short years ago.  I would like to thank faculty athletic representative Sue Jeno and associate athletic director Kara Helmig for their work during this search. We look forward to Jesse and his family making a great impact at UND, the Grand Forks community and the state of North Dakota."

Tupac, who has been a part of two programs – Penn State and Iowa State - accustomed to making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, has helped to rebuild the New Mexico program that is coming of a 20-10 season. 

"I couldn't be more excited to be named the head coach for the University of North Dakota volleyball program," Tupac said. "I would like to thank Bill Chaves, Sue Jeno and Kara Helmig for the opportunity to lead these young women and represent the university and this great state. The passion and support from the university and the greater Grand Forks community is unmatched and provides UND student-athletes a first-class collegiate experience. I would also like to thank my friend and mentor Jon Newman-Gonchar, as well as everyone at the University of New Mexico, for a wonderful three years in Albuquerque. North Dakota Volleyball has all of the pieces to be THE premier volleyball program in the Summit League. I'm looking forward to creating a positive environment for the student-athletes, as well as implementing an exciting and fast paced style of play. Most importantly, I can't wait to get to work building a championship culture that all North Dakotans can be proud of."

Just prior to arriving in Albuquerque, Tupac spent three years as an assistant coach at University of Denver while helping direct the Pioneers to the NCAA Tournament in each of those three seasons.  In Tupac's final campaign with DU, the Pioneers went a program best 27-3 including a perfect 15-0 record in The Summit League.  As Denver's offensive coordinator, the Pioneers hit .269 as a team in 2018, a single season program record.

Tupac has been tutored by some of the greatest volleyball coaches of all time.  He was recruited and played collegiately at UCLA for legendary head coach Al Scates, who guided the Bruins to 19 NCAA Titles.  Tupac was director of volleyball operations at Penn State under head coach Russ Rose who has won more matches than any coach in NCAA Division I volleyball including seven national finals.  He spent time as a graduate assistant at Iowa State under Christy Johnson-Lynch who has built Iowa State into a perennial NCAA Tournament team after she played collegiately at Nebraska winning a national championship for head coach Terry Pettit.

Coach Tupac will be available at the December 29 press conference at the regularly scheduled weekly media availability at Ralph Engelstad Arena. 

What they say about Jesse Tupac
Penn State Head Coach Russ Rose, NCAA Division I wins leader:
I see an exciting future for North Dakota volleyball with the selection of Coach Tupac to the position of Head Coach  He was a valuable member of our staff and he and Kristen will be valued members of the Fighting Hawk community."
 
Iowa State Head Coach Christy Johnson-Lynch, 2009 Asics/Volleyball Magazine National Coach of the Year and national champion setter at the University of Nebraska:
"Jesse has a bright future ahead of him as a head coach.  He's worked with some great coaches, has listened and learned along the way, and he is more than ready for this opportunity.  He's such a positive force and has so much energy and enthusiasm for the game, his players will love playing for him.  He has the knowledge, work ethic, and passion to build a great program at North Dakota."
 
New Mexico Head Coach Jon Newman-Gonchar:
"University of North Dakota struck GOLD with this hire. He is a fierce competitor that knows how to bring out the very best in his players. UND fans and the community of Grand Fork and the state will all soon learn what many in the profession already know, that Jesse is the perfect fit to lead this program to a Summit League Championship."
 
Concordia (MN) Head Coach Faith (Dooley) Radermacher, UND All-American:
"It was an honor to be asked to be a part of the hiring process of the new coach. I would love to see the UND program succeed again! I loved the passion and positive energy Jesse has! His amazing knowledge of the game and passionate drive to see his players succeed stood out."