Former Irvine Valley men's volleyball standout and assistant women's volleyball coach Kaleo Baxter has joined the women's staff at UC Irvine.
"Kaleo is a thoughtful, focused and eager coach who is passionate about bringing success to UC Irvine," said recently named UCI head coach Ashlie Hain. "He has a history of being a part of winning programs and will bring a fresh perspective to UCI volleyball."
Baxter has been a part of three state championships at Irvine Valley - two as a player for the Lasers and one as a coach.
Baxter served as an assistant coach at Irvine Valley last season, where he helped the Laser women's team record a perfect 27-0 record and win their first California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championship.
Baxter began playing collegiately at Irvine Valley under head coach Tom Pestolesi , where he was a libero for two seasons and then transferred to CSUN where he enjoyed a three-year stint as a libero, defensive specialist and serving specialist.
As a player at Irvine Valley, Baxter was part of two of the best men's volleyball teams in program history.
He helped the Lasers to Pacific Coast Athletic Conference titles and the CCCAA State Championships in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, the libero was selected first-team all-conference and named to the state all-tournament team.
He averaged 2.77 digs per set and set a school record with 27 digs against LA Pierce College.
"All he knows is championships," Pestolesi said. "He is one of the greatest to ever come through Irvine Valley and I am excited that he is getting this opportunity.
"We are so stoked for him to be heading to UCI and they will be happy to have him. He is so good at what he does. He has a way with the kids that is so respectful, easy to understand and fun. I know all of our players adored him."
Prior to coaching at IVC last year, Baxter was a volunteer assistant coach at Hawaii from 2011 to 2014, where he honed his coaching skills under American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame coach, Dave Shoji. As a member of the Hawaii staff, Baxter's responsibilities included training the passers and working with the defense as well as scouting opposing teams.
Baxter has also been a successful club coach. He spent a season with Mizuno Long Beach, helming the 17-1 and 14-2 squads. He was the club director of the Imi'Ike Volleyball Club for two years as well as coaching the 18s.
He earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from CSUN in 2011 and holds an associate's degree from Irvine Valley.
