University of California Athletics

Paul Araiza enters his second season as a volunteer assistant coach for Cal's beach volleyball program in 2020.

Araiza's first year with the Bears coincided with one of the best seasons in school history in 2019. Cal went 22-9 and recorded eight wins over ranked opponents, finishing third in the Pac-12 and with the no. 11 overall rank in the final AVCA Coaches Poll. 

Araiza has a long track record of success as a high school, club and college coach. He coached multiple indoor prep indoor teams to state championships and oversaw the club beach program at San Diego State, his alma mater. Araiza has also worked at some of the top clubs in California.

Araiza has also been a regular competitor on the AVP Tour since 2005 and has recorded three top-10 finishes.

Araiza’s playing career started at University of San Diego High School before moving on to Grossmont College. Araiza ultimately transferred to San Diego State and played on the Aztecs’ club indoor team. Araiza’s best finish on the AVP Tour is seventh at the 2016 Seattle Open. He also has a pair of ninth-place finishes.