South Carolina volleyball coach departs after seven seasons for job in Big East
South Carolina volleyball coach Tom Mendoza is leaving the program for a job in the Big East, the school announced Sunday night.
Mendoza, who has been at South Carolina since 2018, will be the next head volleyball coach at Marquette.
“I want to thank the University and Gamecocks fans, but most importantly the coaches, staff, and athletes who I’ve worked closely with over the past seven years,” Mendoza said in a news release. “Getting to experience them achieve their individual and team goals and develop as people is why we do this job. I am excited for what the current and future Gamecocks will achieve because I know it will be great. I am eternally grateful for my seven years in Columbia.”
South Carolina reached the NCAA Tournament four times in Mendoza’s seven seasons with the program. During his first year as head coach, the Gamecocks posted a 20-win season and snapped a 16-year postseason drought.
Mendoza leaves with 106 wins at USC under his belt, making him No. 3 in program history for career wins. He also holds the program record for most wins over ranked opponents (11).
Mendoza takes over a Marquette team that went 25-9 in 2024.
“I am honored to lead the program into a new era in which we can build on the success and history of those who came before us and work to reach new heights,” Mendoza said in a news release. ”As college athletics becomes increasingly transactional, I believe the values-based personalized college experience that Marquette offers will set us apart in recruiting and developing leaders and high achieving student-athletes.”
USC assistant coach Brittany Farrell will assume day-to-day duties leading the program for the spring semester, according to USC’s release. In the meantime, new athletics director Jeremiah Donati will begin conducting the first head coaching search of his tenure.
“We are very thankful to Coach Mendoza for his service and contributions to our volleyball program,” Donati said in a statement. “We wish him all the best as he continues his career at Marquette. We will now begin conducting a national search to identify the best leader to guide our volleyball program.”
This story was originally published March 2, 2025 at 7:30 PM.
