LOS ANGELES – UCLA women’s volleyball head coach Alfee Reft has completed his coaching staff. Joining the Bruins is associate head coach Jen Malcom and assistant coach Amir Lugo-Rodriguez.
“In the process of selecting a staff in this new era of UCLA volleyball, it was a priority that I bring on individuals who had the capacity to truly meet our athletes on a human level,” Reft said. “I needed leaders that understand and can relate to the unique plight of a top-level athlete who strives to be their very best and the number of challenges that accompany that journey. Leaders that mentor from a place of compassion coupled with expertise, guiding each individual to be the very best versions of themselves both on and off the court. I am confident that we have hit a home run with both Jen and Amir joining our Bruin Family.”
Malcom comes to the Bruins after coaching at her alma mater Iowa State for seven seasons. The 2022 campaign marked Malcom’s fourth season in her role as associate head coach. Thanks to the help of Malcom, Iowa State is coming off its first 20-win season since 2018 while registering 10 victories over Big 12 Conference opponents for its most since 2017. Malcom has appeared in the NCAA Tournament five times and claimed a National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) title in 2018 during her tenure with the Cyclones. Malcom played (2006-08) and coached (2016-22) under two-time AVCA Region Coach of the Year Christy Johnson-Lynch in all 10 years she has spent in Ames.
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to work at UCLA. I am fulfilling a long-time dream working at this prestigious institution,” Malcom said. “I am excited to work alongside Alfee, our staff and our talented group of young women to take UCLA women’s volleyball to the next level. The future is bright here in Westwood and I can’t wait to get started!”
“As a player and a coach, Jen has a track record of driving success,” Reft said. “She is a proven winner in recruiting top-tier talent to her programs and in developing that talent into fierce competitors. Jen is relentless with her work ethic and demands excellence in every aspect of her life. Her steady character coupled with her deep care for her athletes makes her a huge asset to the Bruin Family and the culture we are creating.”
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