From Protégé to Head Coach: Nick MacRae on Following a Legend

In this interview, Nick MacRae, the new head coach of Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball, opens up about his transition from longtime assistant to taking over one of the most iconic programs in NCAA volleyball. After spending over a decade under legendary coach Alan Knipe, Nick shares what he learned, how he found out about the coaching change, and what it means to follow in the footsteps of a national championship coach.

We also dive into Long Beach’s 2024 national championship run, the culture behind their success, and the huge summer for Long Beach players like Moni Nikolov, Skyler Varga, and Kellen Larson, who all competed internationally. Nick breaks down how those experiences will shape the team heading into the next season and shares his goals for the future of The Beach.

If you’re a fan of Long Beach Volleyball, NCAA volleyball, or elite coaching culture, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.