Aug. 28, 2008

SAN DIEGO - San Diego State volleyball coach Mark Warner has announced that he will step down as head coach of the Aztec Women's volleyball program at the conclusion of the 2008 season. Warner has been involved with SDSU volleyball, both men's or women's, for the past 27 years.

"Retiring after this season was a goal I had starting a couple years ago," said Warner. "It's been an exciting time for me at San Diego State over the past 27 years. I've basically had the best job anyone could ever have."

Warner initially joined the Aztec staff as an assistant men's coach during the 1982 season while simultaneously coaching the women's team at nearby San Diego City College. He held both positions until 1984 when he was named SDSU's head men's coach.

He served as an assistant with the women's program beginning with the 1991 season while also coaching the men along side Jack Henn for five seasons. In 1995 Warner left the men's side when he was named interim head coach of the Aztec women's team. After an impressive showing that season that included a 27-5 record, a conference title and a trip to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, he officially took over the reins as head coach of the San Diego State women's volleyball program..

Warner is entering his 14th season at the helm of the women's squad with a career record during that span of 202-195. Over the past 13 years, he has led his teams to a pair of NCAA Tournament berths and a Western Athletic Conference championship. His tutelage has produced 15 all-conference players and he was named the Mountain West Conference co-coach of the year in 2002. Warner has also coached a conference co-player of the year, a setter of the year, a defensive player of the year and a co-libero of the year in the MWC.

"Everyone knows what a great person and San Diego State ambassador Coach Warner is," commented SDSU Director of Athletics Jeff Schemmel. "His tenure as an Aztec has been as rewarding for San Diego State as it has been for the student-athletes he has coached. His mark will remain on the program and the University forever. We want to make sure his final season is a special one for him."

San Diego State gets it 2008 campaign underway on Friday, Aug. 29, with a match against UC Irvine at 7:00 p.m. in Peterson Gym. That contest is part of the annual Aztec Invitational that will see the Aztecs also face Albany and University of San Diego on Saturday.