University of Minnesota Athletics
McCutcheon Named Secretary General of FIVB
11/16/2024 11:53:00 AM | Athletics
Former University of Minnesota volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon has been named the International Volleyball Federation's (FIVB) Secretary General.
The announcement is in conjunction with FIVB's announcement of its new president, Fabio Azevedo who was voted in as the new organization leader. In addition to his role with FIVB, McCutcheon will maintain a position with the University of Minnesota as a strategic advisor.
"I am truly honored and excited to be taking on this new role within the FIVB," McCutcheon said. "From player to coach, to sports administrator in both the global FIVB and US collegiate arenas, and now taking on this position, I feel privileged to continue contributing to the sport I love in meaningful new ways. This moment feels both surreal and deeply rewarding, and I'm grateful to be part of a journey that will help shape the sport's next chapter."
McCutcheon has a long history with the FIVB, which also involved his time with the Gophers. Named a FIVB senior advisor in 2023, McCutcheon has made significant contributions to the development of the sport outside of coaching, both on and off the court. As a senior advisor, McCutcheon attended the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, where he helped oversee the Indoor and Beach volleyball competitions. Along with his role of senior advisor, McCutcheon was also the FIVB Technical and Coaching Commission President, while he was Minnesota's head coach.
This December, McCutcheon will be inducted into the American Volleyball Coaches Association's Hall of Fame, reaching the highest distinction in all three volleyball categories. McCutcheon was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2018 and received USA Volleyball's Harry E. Wilson Award for his service to International volleyball in 2024. During his USA career, McCutcheon was awarded the 2008 USOC National Coach of the Year, three-time USOC National Volleyball Coach of the Year, the 2013 USA Volleyball All-time great coach award, and the 2016 New Zealand Order of Merit.
In his 11-year span as the Minnesota coach, McCutcheon led the Gophers to three final fours, two Big Ten Championships, five elite eight finishes and 10 Sweet 16 appearances. Named the 2015 AVCA National Coach of the Year, McCutcheon helped Minnesota continue as a volleyball powerhouse. He led the Gophers to a 277-74 record. The two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year guided six players to Big Ten Player of the Year honors, while Sarah Wilhite was named the AVCA National Player of the Year in 2016. Minnesota recorded 26 All-America honors and 39 All-Big Ten honors during McCutcheon's tenure.
The world-renowned coach came to Minnesota after an illustrious career with USA Volleyball as he earned two medals with the United States Men's and Women's Olympic teams and, to this day, the only coach to do so. McCutcheon mentored the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team to a 106-39 record in his four years after leading the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team program to the 2008 Olympic Games gold medal. Counting his 107-33 record leading the U.S. Men's program from 2005 to 2008, McCutcheon held a combined record of 213-72 with USA Volleyball.
McCutcheon, originally from Christchurch New Zealand, started his volleyball career playing at BYU before transitioning into high-level coaching. McCutcheon's educational background is equally impressive. He holds a master's degree in business administration and a master's degree in exercise science, both from BYU.
The FIVB contributed to this release.
The announcement is in conjunction with FIVB's announcement of its new president, Fabio Azevedo who was voted in as the new organization leader. In addition to his role with FIVB, McCutcheon will maintain a position with the University of Minnesota as a strategic advisor.
"I am truly honored and excited to be taking on this new role within the FIVB," McCutcheon said. "From player to coach, to sports administrator in both the global FIVB and US collegiate arenas, and now taking on this position, I feel privileged to continue contributing to the sport I love in meaningful new ways. This moment feels both surreal and deeply rewarding, and I'm grateful to be part of a journey that will help shape the sport's next chapter."
McCutcheon has a long history with the FIVB, which also involved his time with the Gophers. Named a FIVB senior advisor in 2023, McCutcheon has made significant contributions to the development of the sport outside of coaching, both on and off the court. As a senior advisor, McCutcheon attended the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, where he helped oversee the Indoor and Beach volleyball competitions. Along with his role of senior advisor, McCutcheon was also the FIVB Technical and Coaching Commission President, while he was Minnesota's head coach.
This December, McCutcheon will be inducted into the American Volleyball Coaches Association's Hall of Fame, reaching the highest distinction in all three volleyball categories. McCutcheon was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2018 and received USA Volleyball's Harry E. Wilson Award for his service to International volleyball in 2024. During his USA career, McCutcheon was awarded the 2008 USOC National Coach of the Year, three-time USOC National Volleyball Coach of the Year, the 2013 USA Volleyball All-time great coach award, and the 2016 New Zealand Order of Merit.
In his 11-year span as the Minnesota coach, McCutcheon led the Gophers to three final fours, two Big Ten Championships, five elite eight finishes and 10 Sweet 16 appearances. Named the 2015 AVCA National Coach of the Year, McCutcheon helped Minnesota continue as a volleyball powerhouse. He led the Gophers to a 277-74 record. The two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year guided six players to Big Ten Player of the Year honors, while Sarah Wilhite was named the AVCA National Player of the Year in 2016. Minnesota recorded 26 All-America honors and 39 All-Big Ten honors during McCutcheon's tenure.
The world-renowned coach came to Minnesota after an illustrious career with USA Volleyball as he earned two medals with the United States Men's and Women's Olympic teams and, to this day, the only coach to do so. McCutcheon mentored the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team to a 106-39 record in his four years after leading the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team program to the 2008 Olympic Games gold medal. Counting his 107-33 record leading the U.S. Men's program from 2005 to 2008, McCutcheon held a combined record of 213-72 with USA Volleyball.
McCutcheon, originally from Christchurch New Zealand, started his volleyball career playing at BYU before transitioning into high-level coaching. McCutcheon's educational background is equally impressive. He holds a master's degree in business administration and a master's degree in exercise science, both from BYU.
The FIVB contributed to this release.
Cub Plays of the Week
Wednesday, September 24
Cub Plays of the Week
Thursday, September 18
Cub Plays of the Year
Monday, July 14
2024-25 Gopher Sports Year in Review
Wednesday, July 09