Nov. 18, 2008
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State women's head volleyball coach Mark Warner will be honored during ceremonies at the conclusion of Thursday night's volleyball match against Air Force which is set to begin at 6:00 p.m. in Peterson Gym. That contest, the final home match of the season, will Mark Warner's farewell coaching appearance as he is set to retire at the conclusion of the Aztecs' 2008 campaign.
Warner, who has been involved with SDSU volleyball for the past 27 years, is completing his 14th season as the head coach of the women's program. During his tenure, he has led his teams to three NCAA Tournament berths and a Western Athletic Conference championship. His tutelage has produced 22 all-conference players and he was named the Mountain West Conference co-coach of the year in 2002.
Prior to 1995, Warner served four seasons (1991-94) as an assistant coach in the women's volleyball program. He helped coach the Aztecs to an 85-43 record during that time, including a second-round appearance in the NCAA tournament in 1994. He also coached along side Jack Henn as co-head coach of the SDSU men's team for six seasons (1989-94).
Warner initially joined the Aztec staff as an assistant men's coach to Duncan McFarland in 1982, while simultaneously coaching the women's team at San Diego City College. He held both positions for three seasons (through 1984), when he was named SDSU's head men's coach for the 1985 campaign.
During his three decades with San Diego State volleyball coaching both the men's and women's programs, he has been a part of some 440 victories in his capacities as head or assistant coach.
Warner actually began his affiliation with San Diego State as a player in the late 60's and was a member of the 1968 Aztec club team that won the collegiate national championship. Following his college career, Warner played with various club teams in the U.S. Volleyball Association. A 12-time USVBA All-American, Warner led his team to the 1974 Winston Volleyball League championship. In 1985, 1993 and 1994, Warner played on the USA volleyball senior division teams that captured national titles. In 1993, Warner was named MVP at the USA Volleyball National Championships in the men's master division. Following Thursday's contest against the Falcons, the Aztecs will conclude their season with a match at Cal State Bakersfield on Saturday, Nov. 29, at noon.