Addie Picha, a standout middle blocker at the University of San Diego, was hired as assistant coach of the Cal Poly volleyball program in the winter of 2023 and enters her third season with the Mustangs in 2025.

“It was apparent from very early on in the interview process that Addie aligned heavily with the values and ideals of our program, always putting our athletes at the forefront,” Walters said. “She believes in developing our student-athletes not only as volleyball players, but as strong, resilient women and she herself embodies these high character qualities.”

Picha joins the Mustangs’ staff after spending the last two seasons as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina. There, she helped coach six players who earned All-Big South honors.

Prior to that, she spent one season as a volunteer assistant coach at University of San Diego in 2020-21 in which the Toreros reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

“I am so excited to be joining the Cal Poly family,” Picha said. “It was clear to me during the interview process that this program heavily values the development of their athletes on and off the court while continuing to maintain their winning tradition. I want to thank the coaching staff and institution for this opportunity and cannot wait to get started.”

As a middle blocker for the Toreros, Picha was a four-year standout as she was twice named an AVCA All-American and First Team All-West Coast Conference. She was also selected to the U.S. Women’s Collegiate National Team in 2018. As a senior in 2018, she helped lead the Toreros to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament as she led the team in hitting percentage (.389), blocks (166), and blocks per set (1.48) that season.

She finished her USD career tied for third all-time in program history in hitting percentage (.365), fourth in total blocks (452) and block assists (346), and seventh in solo blocks (106).

Following her indoor career at San Diego, Picha played one season of beach volleyball at Washington in 2020.

A Puyallup, Wash. native, Picha graduated from USD with a psychology degree in 2019.

What They’re Saying

“Addie Picha is one of the bright, up and coming young assistant coaches in the country. She is passionate, driven, knowledgeable and charismatic.  Addie knows what it takes to train at a high level, compete to be the best and how to support student-athletes in their quest for excellence. Cal Poly volleyball is a great place for Addie and I am beyond excited to watch her grow.” – Jennifer Petrie, University of San Diego head women’s volleyball coach

“Addie’s ability to connect and get the most out of the players is a huge strength. She is able to articulate and pass her volleyball knowledge with great clarity and intention. She is passionate, committed, and loves the sport of volleyball. Addie Picha is on her way to being a great coach in the college game.” – Eric Plunkett, Gardner-Webb head women’s volleyball coach

“Addie Picha was an elite-level middle blocker who understands what it takes to win and compete at the top of the collegiate game. She is a committed learner and stable presence in the gym who will undoubtedly enhance the level of performance of those players under her guidance." – Alfee Reft, UCLA head women’s volleyball coach and former University of San Diego assistant coach