MALIBU, Calif. — Head Coach Scott Wong announced the hiring of Tara Hittle as the Pepperdine women's volleyball team's newest assistant coach for the upcoming 2019 campaign. 
 
"We are lucky to have Tara as she has had a significant impact in every program that she has been a part of as a player, and more recently as a coach," said Wong.  "Tara has developed into a great recruiter and as she has the unique ability to quickly connect with anyone on and off the court and to develop those into lasting relationships.
 
"Lastly, Tara knows what it takes to be great and she will help mentor our young ladies to excel in all areas of their lives."
 
A former NCAA Division I multi-sport student-athlete and professional volleyball player, Hittle spent her collegiate career playing both volleyball and basketball at the University of Hawai'i, graduating with a degree in physical education and health in 2009.  While playing from 2004-08, with Wong on the coaching staff in 2006, she was a four-time letterwinner and remains in the record book for career digs (4^th – 1,315) and digs/game (7^th – 2.83).  Hittle also helped the Rainbow Wahine to a pair of NCAA Elite 8 appearances in 2006 and 2008, as well as Sweet 16 berths in 2004 and 2005.
 
"It's a tremendous honor to be able to represent Pepperdine University," said Hittle.  "I believe it's a place where student-athletes have an opportunity to receive an excellent education and compete at the highest level.

"I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with Scott Wong. He's an incredible coach who has a great vision for the program and I can't wait to be a part of the journey."
 
Most recently, Hittle served as an assistant coach with the Duke women's volleyball program, a program that frequents the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championships.  In 2018, Hittle helped the Blue Devil squad to a 16-12 overall record and a 5^th place finish in the ACC, as well as a NCAA First Round ending. She helped three Blue Devils to All-ACC performances throughout the season, while also guiding two to AVCA All-American accolades.
 
Prior to Duke, Hittle spent time on the sidelines with Portland State in 2017, helping the Vikings to the team's first 20-win season since 2013 and guiding four to All-Big Sky Conference honors.  Before Portland State, she spent time as a member of the Dartmouth coaching staff in 2016. 
 
From 2011-16, she served as a high school and club volleyball coach in her home state of Colorado, serving as the head volleyball coach at Valor Christian High School from 2014-15 and Doherty High School from 2011-14.  She led DHS to a 2012 State Championship title and was named 2012 Colorado Coach of the Year.
 
After UH, she also played professionally for the Volleyball Franches-Montagnes in Switzerland during the 2010-11 season.
 
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