Masters In Coaching Podcast- Episode LXXXIV
Petros And Money
iHeartRadio and AM 570 LA Sports
4.7 • 991 Ratings
🗓️ 11 February 2026
⏱️ 37 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Tim Cates sits down with USD Beach Volleyball head coach Derek Olson for an in-depth conversation about a life built around the sport. Olson reflects on his journey from player to coach, including formative stops at Cal and the University of Washington, where he helped shape competitive programs and sharpen his coaching identity.
Now, Olson faces his biggest challenge yet: building USD’s Division I beach volleyball program from the ground up. With the Toreros not scheduled to play their first match until 2027, he shares what it takes to start a program from scratch—recruiting, establishing standards, and laying a foundation built to last.
Olson also dives into how earning his Master’s in Coaching and Exercise Science from Concordia University Irvine has influenced his philosophy, coaching style, and approach to culture-building. It’s a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at long-term program development, leadership, and the patience required to build something meaningful before the first whistle ever blows.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | From a player to a coach to now starting a program from the ground up. |
| 0:06.1 | He is University of San Diego Beach volleyball head coach Derek Olson. |
| 0:11.7 | And he talks about his unique journey and is now progress to start a program next on episode 84 of the Masters in Coaching Podcast. |
| 0:22.5 | Let's go. |
| 0:25.2 | Well, welcome into episode 84, the Masters and Coaching Podcast here on IHeart Radio or wherever you are consuming. |
| 0:32.1 | We certainly appreciate it. |
| 0:33.2 | I am Tim Cates from A-F570 LA Sports and IHeart Radio. |
| 0:37.8 | And we are so honored to have another guest here on the Masters and Coaching |
| 0:41.3 | podcast. |
| 0:41.8 | And we've talked to a lot of coaches and administrators, folks that have extended their |
| 0:47.1 | careers into retirement, those who are in the middle of their careers and excelling. |
| 0:51.6 | And it's so excited to talk to this week's guest because not only he has, |
| 0:54.9 | he excelled everywhere he has been, but now he's starting a new endeavor where he's actually |
| 0:59.5 | launching a Division I program that doesn't start until 2027. So we're going to get a fresh |
| 1:05.1 | perspective on starting a program in 2026 and 27 at the Division I level. He, of course, is Derek Olson, and he joins |
| 1:13.4 | this now from the University of San Diego. Derek, how you doing? I'm doing great. Thanks for having me, |
| 1:17.9 | Tim. Absolutely. Looking forward to this conversation. We've talked to a lot of coaches and administrators, |
| 1:23.5 | as I've mentioned, and none were in that first phase of starting a program. |
| 1:29.0 | Maybe first time coaches, maybe first time coaches at a different level and tried to figure it out. |
| 1:35.4 | But last fall, you were named the new beach volleyball coach in charge of the entire program at University of San Diego. |
| 1:42.8 | And it's not starting until 2027. So what is it |
| 1:46.6 | like for you right now? Well, it's different, right? It's a unique opportunity, as you said. We don't |
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