MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - Marquette volleyball starts a new era this spring as Tom Mendoza takes over as the new head coach. He was hired to replace Ryan Theis in March.
"Good chaotic. It's been really good," said Mendoza on his early time in Milwaukee.
Among his first tasks was keeping current and future players committed to the blue and gold with a similar message to what brought him to town.
"We think Marquette is the best option for them. That's the message that we have been getting across," said Mendoza. " I think the experience that Marquette and the education offers is second to none. And we think on the volleyball court we can be competitive and compete for national championships."
In 11 years at Marquette, Theis has the best winning percentage in program history with a 233-78 overall record. Marquette made the NCAA tournament in every full season under Theis and made the program's only three Sweet 16 appearances.
"Volleyball is valued here. Volleyball is important," said Mendoza. "I love that pressure. You rather have that than be at school where just kind of blend in."
Since 2011, Marquette has made the tournament in every full season and won four Big East regular season championships including also the Big East tournament in 2013. Mendoza wants to continue that growth and raise the program even higher.
"Those things are easier said than done but we think we can build and go even further," said Mendoza. "The support and the experience that Marquette offers is going to allow us to do that."
Marquette's spring season will involve navigating another transfer period in May as Mendoza continues to build the 2025 Golden Eagles.
"Right now, it's really about building relationships. Building an identity about what Marquette volleyball is going to be. We're in a really good position to be successful and competitive next fall," said Mendoza.
Marquette will play Iowa State, Illinois, Milwaukee, and Wisconsin during the spring season.