Alan Knipe
National Champion as a Player. National Champion as a Coach. Legend in Volleyball
From Player to Champion Coach
Alan Knipe is the head coach of the Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball Team, one of the most successful programs in NCAA history. A former 1991 NCAA Champion as a middle blocker for CSULB, he has transformed the program into a powerhouse with a career coaching record of 445–170 (.724).
Born
January 1, 1969 – Huntington Beach, CA
Education
California State University Long Beach, Marina High School
Career Highlight
NCAA Champion (1991), Head Coach of multiple Final Four teams, NCAA Championship titles as coach
Building a Culture of Excellence
Player Development:
Mentored dozens of All Americans & Olympian
Winning Tradition:
Multiple NCAA Championships as Head Coach
National Recognition:
Respected leader in U.S. volleyball and former U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach
Alan Knipe Awards
Volleyball Passing Communication and Technique with Alan Knipe (2 of 2)
This video features Alan Knipe sharing coaching advice on volleyball passing communication. Advice includes.
Developing Better Passing Technique Through a Good Pre Serve Routine with Alan Knipe (1 of 2)
The Great Coaches Leadership & Life
Alan Knipe is a volleyball player and now coach. As a player he was a Collegiate All American and represented the USA Team.
USA Volleyball Practice Overview for Players
Exclusive Coaches Clinics with Alan Knipe USA Men's National Team Head Coach (2009-2012)
Indoor Volleyball Setting Verbal Cues for Setters and Non Setters with Alan Knipe
Volleyball Tip Develop a Mantra List to Help Deal with Pressure by Alan Knipe.
2012 London Olympics Alan Knipe
Three time AVCA National Coach of the Year Alan Knipe has created a winning culture at Long Beach State. A living part of Long Beach State men’s volleyball history, Knipe is the only person in program history to have been a part of all four LBSU National Championships. Knipe was a player on the 1991 squad that captured the program’s first ever National Title, before coming back to his alma mater as a head coach and leading the Beach to the school’s first ever back to back NCAA National Championships in 2018 and 2019.
In 2025, Knipe added a new chapter to his legacy, guiding Long Beach State to a 30-3 overall record on the way to the program’s fourth NCAA National Championship with a 3-0 sweep of UCLA behind National Player of the Year and worldwide sensation Moni Nikolov.
In 22 seasons at the helm of the Long Beach State men’s volleyball program, Knipe has guided the Beach to ten NCAA Final Fours – eight in the last nine seasons – three Big West Conference tournament championships, 13 MPSF tournament appearances, six Big West Tournament appearances, and four NCAA Championships.
Alan Knipe has built one of the greatest programs in college volleyball.
NCAA
Speaking
Engagements
Beyond the court, Alan is a sought after speaker and presenter, delivering keynote addresses and workshops at:
NCAA Leadership Conferences
International volleyball federations and coaching conventions
Corporate events on teamwork, culture building, and resilience
His message resonates not only with athletes and coaches, but also with business leaders and educators worldwide.
Worldwide Philosophies
Alan’s influence extends across borders, sharing
philosophies that go beyond volleyball:
Excellence is Habit
Winning cultures are built through consistency in daily habits.
Team Above Self
Individual greatness comes from elevating the whole
Global Respect
His coaching and mentorship style has been shared across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
He believes that the lessons of the game mirror the lessons of life: discipline, resilience, adaptability, and unity.
Mentorship &
Athlete Development
Coach Knipe is passionate about mentorship at every level:
Guiding college athletes into professional careers
Supporting Olympians on their path to global competition
Advising young coaches in building sustainable programs
Leading clinics where aspiring players gain direct mentorship
His legacy is measured not only in championships but in the leaders he develops on and off the court.
Programs & Opportunities
Train with Alan Knipe and the Long Beach State coaching staff.
Download recruiting info to learn how to become part of a championship culture.
Champions Unlimited
Alan Knipe is also a featured mentor and contributor on Champions Unlimited,an exclusive platform for athlete and coach development.