STANFORD, Calif. – Former volunteer assistant coach Matt Houlihan joins the Stanford men’s volleyball staff as an interim assistant coach for the 2026 season, as announced today by John Kosty, The Birkhofer Family Head Men’s Volleyball Coach.
Houlihan will serve as The Al Roderigues Assistant Coach, recently held by Spencer Wickens, who left the program for an assistant women’s volleyball coaching position at the University of Minnesota.
Houlihan previously spent eight seasons as a volunteer assistant with the Cardinal (2017-24).
“Matt Houlihan is a tremendous addition to the Stanford Men’s Volleyball staff,” said Kosty, who is in his 20th season at the helm of the program. “He brings a deep wealth of knowledge, genuine passion for the game, and outstanding communication skills. His ability to connect with student-athletes and clearly convey high-level concepts will make an immediate and meaningful impact on our team, both on and off the court.”
Houlihan is the Club Director at Bay to Bay Volleyball in the Bay Area. He has guided 17 teams to a top-5 finish or better at Junior Nationals (2 gold medals, 4 silver medals, 6 bronze medals).
Houlihan played collegiately at Pacific from 2010-13, where he graduated with a degree in sport management and business. A three-time MPSF All-Academic selection, he was voted the team's Most Inspirational Player four years in a row.
Houlihan and his wife, Arielle, reside in Morgan Hill with their daughters, Rylie and Hallie.