BERKELEY – Cal assistant coach Spencer McLachlin has received the AVCA "Thirty Under 30" award.

The honor recognizes 30 up-and-coming coaching talents across all levels of volleyball. To qualify for the award, nominees had to be younger than 30 years old in 2017.

"I am very honored to receive this award," McLachlin said. "I have been really fortunate to learn from some incredible volleyball minds since I started playing the game as a toddler. I am thankful that Cal has given me the opportunity to work at the highest level and I am blessed to have such inspirational mentors."

McLachlin, 29, has been on Cal's staff for one season. Prior to making the move to Berkeley, McLachlin served as a volunteer assistant coach for the men's volleyball program at UCLA, where he helped the Bruins reach the NCAA Tournament in 2016. Previous to his stint in Westwood, McLachlin served as a full-time assistant coach for the men's program at the University of Hawai'i.

During his one season with the Rainbow Warriors, McLachlin helped Hawai'I qualify for the NCAA Tournament – the program's first postseason berth in 13 years.

McLachlin was one of just 11 NCAA Division I coaches selected for the award this year. There were 144 nominees overall, the most since the program began in 2009.

"Each year these selections get tougher and tougher as our sport is blessed with so many remarkable young coaches," AVCA Executive Director Kathy DeBoer said. "They know they are the future of the sport and of the AVCA, and I'm impressed with their willingness to give of themselves and their desire to lead."

McLachlin played outside hitter at Stanford and helped the Cardinal win the 2010 NCAA championship. He served as team captain as a senior and earned All-MPSF second team recognition. McLachlin was also a three-time MPSF All-Academic selection.