Paul Araiza is in his second season with the Cal beach volleyball program in 2020. He served as the volunteer assistant coach in 2019, before being elevated to acting assistant coach while head coach Meagan Owusu was away on maternity leave.
Araiza helped Cal to a 9-1 start to the season as the Bears rattled off nine consecutive wins. That streak was capped with a victory over no. 5 USC at the Pac-12 South Tournament, Cal's second-ever win over a top-five team. Unfortunately, the 2020 season was cut short due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, halting Cal's season after 10 games. The Bears finished the year ranked ninth in both the AVCA and Dig Magazine polls, the highest ranking in program history. 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.
