By Jeffrey M Cowart
The search for a men”s volleyball coach came to an end May 28 when BYU Athletic Director Val Hale named Tom Peterson as the new coach.
“Tom has been a winner wherever he has coached,” Hale said. “He has won a national championship and has built many programs from the ground up. We are confident Tom will continue BYU”s outstanding volleyball tradition, and are thrilled he again wants to be a Cougar.”
After a 19-year-absence Peterson returns to BYU where he began his career as an assistant to Women”s Volleyball Coach Elaine Michaelis.
Peterson brings with him 20 years of coaching experience including 17 years at the collegiate level.
He has served as the men”s head coach at Utah State, Salt Lake Community College, and Penn State.
As the head coach at Penn State, Peterson led the Nittany Lions to five NCAA Final Four appearances including a national championship in 1994.
Last season Peterson served as the head coach for the women”s volleyball team at the University of New Mexico, finishing the season with a disappointing 5-20 record.
However, over the past 17 seasons he has compiled an impressive 248-129 overall record.
During his tenure at Utah State, Peterson led the Aggies to the NCAA tournament and finished the season ranked No. 21, marking the school”s first-ever top 25 ranking.
Peterson, a native of Orem, graduated from BYU in 1978 with a bachelor”s degree in physical education. He has also received a master”s degree in curriculum development and a doctorate degree in physical education administration from BYU.
“It is both a privilege and a thrill for me to be considered for this opportunity to come back to my alma mater,” Peterson said. “BYU has always been near and dear to my heart. I have a lot of history here, more than just volleyball. My wife and I look forward to being a part of this wonderful program and university.”
Peterson will replace former head coach Carl McGown who retired last month after 13 seasons with the Cougars.
