MALIBU, Calif. — Pepperdine University and head men's volleyball coach Jonathan Winder have agreed to a contract extension through 2030, announced today.
The reigning MPSF Coach of the Year, Winder led the Waves to their seventh MPSF Championship in 2025, eventually reaching the NCAA semifinals after defeating Loyola Chicago in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
"Jonathan has delivered championship results while leading our program with the values that embody Pepperdine," said Director of Athletics Tanner Gardner. "His impact extends beyond the court with our athletes and the broader Pepperdine community, and we are excited about the future of the program with the culture and success that he's instilled."
The 2025 season also saw the Waves earn 12 ranked victories with a 21-10 overall record in Winder's third season at the helm of the program, defeating No. 2 UCLA and No. 5 USC in the MPSF Tournament to claim the title at home in Malibu.
Across his first three seasons, Winder has compiled a 54-35 overall record with the Waves. His teams have produced seven AVCA All-Americans, an MPSF Player of the Year (Jaylen Jasper, 2023), MPSF Freshman of the Year in back-to-back seasons (Ethan Watson in 2024 and Cole Hartke in 2025), and nine All-MPSF selections.
His first season saw the Waves boast a 16-14 record in 2023 including an 11-3 record at home, before going 17-11 in 2024 which featured five ranked victories.
"It is the greatest privilege and honor to be the men's volleyball head coach here at Pepperdine," said Winder. "I'm extremely grateful for President Gash, Vice President Tim Perrin, Athletic Director Tanner Gardner and Senior Associate AD Amanda Kurtz for the opportunity to continue to lead this program. My family and I love being a part of this community, so it is a great joy to be able to continue our work here. We have made quite a few strides in the past few years as a program on and off the court with more to come this year."
The extension comes ahead of the Mountain at Mullin Park opening later this year, a new 3,600 seat arena and enhanced facility for the program, which is set to begin as the new home of Pepperdine men's volleyball in 2027.
"With the opening of The Mountain next year, we are thrilled to be able to steward this program into the ever changing landscape of college athletics," noted Winder "Having the alignment with the University, the Pepperdine Men's Volleyball program is as motivated as ever to pursue excellence on the court while developing the lives of our athletes for purpose, service, and leadership."
A Pepperdine all-time great, Winder graduated in 2008 as a four-time AVCA All-American, the 2007 AVCA National Player of the Year and a member of the 2005 NCAA championship team. He still holds the program's career assists record (5,118) and ranks sixth in digs (656).
Winder was also a member of the U.S. National Team from 2007-12. He helped the U.S. finish first at the 2007 Pan American Cup and second in 2009, as well as sixth at the 2010 FIVB World Championships. Winder was an alternate for the 2012 U.S. Olympic squad.
Winder first returned to Pepperdine in 2013 as an academic coordinator before shifting over to the men's volleyball program. The 2014 Waves went 19-7, won a share of the MPSF regular-season title and finished fourth in the national rankings.
As an assistant coach with the Washington indoor women's volleyball team, the Huskies went 105-21 with back-to-back Elite Eight appearances in 2015 and 2016 with Winder on staff. Moving over as head coach of the beach program at Washington, the Huskies took third place at the 2017 Pac-12 Championships, which is still the best showing in program history.
Winder then served as head coach of the Fresno State women's indoor volleyball program from 2018-21, going 56-47 while producing 11 All-Mountain West honorees, before returning to Pepperdine.
The Waves will look to defend their MPSF crown in 2026, with the season kicking off Friday at Firestone Fieldhouse, taking on St. Thomas Aquinas at 6 p.m.
ABOUT PEPPERDINE MEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Pepperdine men's volleyball boasts one of the richest histories in collegiate volleyball, with five NCAA National Championships. Four of those championships came under the direction of Hall of Fame coach Marv Dunphy who totaled 612 victories in 34 seasons at the helm. With 19 NCAA Appearances and 63 All-Americans, the program has consistently been a destination for top talent across the country. Under current head coach Jonathan Winder, the Waves reached the NCAA Final Four in his third season at the helm in 2025.
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