An iconic figure in Penn State sports history is taking one final victory lap.
After 32 seasons as head coach of the Penn State men’s volleyball team, Mark Pavlik is set to retire after the conclusion of the 2026 campaign, the school announced on Thursday evening.
“First and foremost, I’m really looking forward to this year with this group of guys on the team,” Pavlik said in a statement. “Thirty-plus years of doing anything is a long time, and I’ve been fortunate to do it at my alma mater with some great people over the years both on the staff and in the administration. Both athletic and institutional administration have really helped the program to grow and continue to get better. I feel really blessed to have been able to give back to the University in whatever manner I could.”
Pavlik has served as a cornerstone of the program for decades, leading the Nittany Lions to a 694-241 record, making him the fourth-winningest coach in NCAA men’s volleyball history. His teams have totaled 25 NCAA Tournament appearances, four title match appearances and a national championship in 2008, when he was named AVCA Coach of the Year.
He’s led the team to 26 Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association titles during 31 seasons in the conference, including the last three. He’s produced Olympians Matt Anderson, Max Holt and Aaron Russell and 34 first- or second-team EIVA honorees.
His final season kicks off on Jan. 9, when Penn State hosts Mt. Olive, with the regular season finale slated for April 18 against George Mason.
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