Karissa Cook, a former standout player for the Stanford women's volleyball team, returns to Stanford University as an assistant coach for the beach volleyball program starting in the 2027 season. She previously served in the same role from 2015 to 2018 and has extensive coaching experience, most recently with Loyola Marymount where she helped the team achieve a historic NCAA championship appearance. Cook has also found success in the sports technology field, working with Amazon and leading volleyball initiatives. Her return is seen as a significant moment for the program, highlighting her foundational role in its culture and operations.

By the Numbers
  • Cook led Loyola Marymount's beach volleyball team to their first NCAA National Championship Tournament appearance in 2021, finishing third.
  • She won the first U.S. beach volleyball gold medal at the 2019 Pan American Games.
State of Play
  • Cook's homecoming fills the assistant coaching position, completing Stanford beach volleyball鈥檚 staff.
  • Billy Allen has been promoted to associate head coach, signaling a strategic shift in the coaching dynamic.
What's Next

With Cook's return, Stanford beach volleyball aims to build on its recent successes and further enhance its competitive edge within collegiate athletics. Her leadership is expected to bolster the team's culture and performance in the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

Karissa Cook's return as an assistant coach is poised to invigorate Stanford's beach volleyball program, leveraging her past experience and successes to foster a winning mentality and strong team cohesion.