Trey Cruz has been appointed as the associate head coach for the Louisiana State University (LSU) indoor volleyball program, Head Coach Tonya Johnson announced on April 20.
Cruz’s return is significant for the LSU volleyball community, as he previously served in various coaching roles at LSU and other universities. His experience and leadership are expected to contribute to the team’s future success.
Johnson said, “It is with great joy that I welcome Trey and his family home. His knowledge, passion, and energy for the game will have a tremendous impact on our program. Trey is an outstanding connector who will build meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, staff, and the community. I am excited to begin this journey together and look forward to the positive impact he will make on our program.”
Before rejoining LSU, Cruz was associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Rice University from 2023 to 2025. At Rice, he developed 13 American Conference selections and helped secure both a regular season championship in the American Conference and a berth in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. As defensive coordinator during his tenure there, Rice ranked seventh nationally in digs per set during the 2025 campaign while also achieving strong conference rankings in blocks per set and opposing hitting percentage.
Cruz expressed his appreciation by saying, “I am so grateful for the opportunity for me and my family to be back home in Baton Rouge. LSU is a special place, and I am honored to wear the purple and gold again. Thank you to Tonya, Miriam, and Verge for this opportunity. I am ready to get to work and assist in bringing this program back to the national scene where it belongs.”
During his previous time at LSU from 2018-2021 as assistant coach—including helping lead beach volleyball teams—Cruz developed five All-Southeastern Conference selections such as Taylor Bannister (all-time kills leader) and Raigen Cianciulli (all-time digs leader). He has also coached at Tulane University (2022) and UL Lafayette (2015-2016).
A native of Houma, Louisiana, Cruz holds bachelor’s (2013) and master’s degrees (2015) from LSU. He is married to Kristen Nuss Cruz—a USA Beach Volleyball Olympian—and former LSU Beach Volleyball player.
