LEXINGTON, Ky. — The American Volleyball Coaches Association has named Santa Clara University Beach Volleyball assistant coach Lance Muret to its 2026 Thirty Under 30 College Award list, as announced by the organization on Wednesday.

The AVCA Thirty Under 30 program recognizes up-and-coming coaches in different sectors of the sport who serve in a range of roles, from head coach to volunteer assistant to club director. The College Award honorees are passionate about teaching, helping players reach their full potential, and growing the game at the collegiate level.

Muret has quickly established himself as one of the sport's brightest young coaching minds. He was previously named to the Volleyball Magazine 2024 College Coaching Hotshot List and played an integral role on the Broncos' staff during a record-tying 18-win season in 2025. That same season, he helped lead the program to its first win over a nationally ranked team in a decade and helped lead the Broncos to a West Coast Conference Championship Tournament runner-up finish.

Muret began his coaching career as a club coach at WAVE Beach Volleyball Club in Del Mar, Calif., in 2019. He joined the Santa Clara program as a volunteer assistant coach in the fall of 2023 and was elevated to his current role as assistant coach last fall.

"I fell in love with beach volleyball because of how fun it is and the unique challenge it offers," said Muret. "The sport pushes you to develop your individual skills while also learning to compete and grow with a partner as a true teammate. My whole family plays, and I grew up around the game — watching, playing, and constantly wanting to learn more about it. That passion naturally led me to coaching. I love the teaching aspect and watching athletes grow as players and people while helping them maximize their potential in the sport."

Muret has credited Santa Clara head coach Jeff Alzina as a major influence in his development. "Jeff has influenced me the most in my coaching journey," Muret said. "He gave me my first opportunity in NCAA coaching as a volunteer and has been an incredible mentor over the past three years. Jeff has taught me so much about the sport, particularly the mental side of coaching and how to lead a team. I am deeply grateful for the trust he placed in me and for the guidance that helped me grow into my current role."

Looking ahead, Muret has set his sights on the highest levels of the sport. "My long-term goal is to coach at the highest levels of the sport," he said. "I aspire to work with elite athletes on the professional stage, including the AVP and FIVB tours, and ultimately hope to coach in the Olympic Games one day. I am passionate about working with high-level players and helping them maximize their potential through strong technical training, strategy, and competitive preparation."