Hallmark of Consistency: Dave Rubio Enters His 30th Season

Entering his 30th season at the helm of Arizona Volleyball, Dave Rubio is now the standard bearer for the University of Arizona when it comes to sustainable winning programs.

Since 1992, there has been one standard that will remain true as we head into the 2021-2022 Arizona Volleyball season, and that is that Dave Rubio has been patrolling the sidelines.

30 years in one place is typically only something one can dream of. And in today’s “what have you done for me lately” sports world that typically cycles coaches around either through promotion to a major conference team, or just a change in guard at the administrative level, it has become increasingly rare. However, coach Rubio has bucked that trend and then some.

Coaching Successes Came Quick to Rubio

Formerly a standout men’s volleyball player at Cal State Northridge, Rubio quickly moved into the coaching ranks following a terrific playing career, becoming an assistant coach for the Northridge men’s team in 1983, before transitioning over to the women’s team in 1985, helping guide them to a National Championship.

Following a successful stint with Cal State Northridge, Rubio took the reigns of Division 2’s Cal State Bakersfield, where in five seasons he coached seven All-Americans, and had three Top five finishes, winning the 1989 National Championship.

After being named a two-time Coach of the year by ASICS Tiger (1989), and the CCAA (1991), Rubio found his way to Tucson and the Arizona Wildcats who were coming off a 4-26 (0-18) 1991 campaign.

Winning is Just the Rubio Way

The fact that in the past 29 seasons that the Arizona Wildcats have only had six seasons with losing records is simply remarkable. Following his inaugural season in Tucson in which the Wildcats went 10-17, Rubio led the Wildcats to the Sweet 16 in his 2nd and 3rd years, which became his 1st of 20 trips to the NCAA Tournament.

In his 29 years, Dave Rubio has led the Wildcats to Eight Sweet Sixteen’s (93, 94, 99-02, 05, 16) Four Elite Eights (00-02, 05) and One Final Four (01). His 26 Tournament match wins eclipse the total number of Postseason matches played prior to him taking over the Program.

Relatability Is Key

One thing that is a constant when hearing current and former players answer questions about Rubio is his relatability. The ability to connect now across multiple generations is key to anyone being successful in virtually anything, especially in a sport like volleyball, which has seen some sport-altering changes during his time in Tucson.

Being able to build that strong connection is why someone like Rubio can go into the Texas Longhorns’ backyard and recruit a player like budding star setter Emery Herman, who showcased All-Conference and at times All-American potential in the unique spring 2021 season.

It’s also how a young team like the Wildcats in the midst of a rough season where they were predicted last in the Pac-12, were able to stun No. 7 Stanford with a weekend sweep in the spring as well.

No Easy Routes Taken In Scheduling

Despite just six seasons without a winning record, Dave also regularly schedules one of the tougher non-conference slates a Power Five program will face, as this season they will take on a top Big 10 team in Northwestern, top ACC team in Notre Dame, and Preseason No. 1 Texas, with all the games away from Tucson.

Add in playing in one of the tougheat conferences in Volleyball, and the Wildcats will not have many easy days, and this also provides a nice recruiting tool for Rubio as he can showcase that by coming to Arizona, you’ll regularly play some of the best teams in the country.

The End Of An Era Could Be On The Horizon

Dave Rubio’s current contract runs through the 2023 season, and to this point the thought of continuing on beyond 2023 is not at the front of his mind at this point. During his preseason media session, Rubio stated “We’ll re-evaluate at that time,” he said. “We’ll see if they want me back … but I love this place.”

One thing that I know for sure is that the 2021 season should provide fans of the Wildcats lots of great volleyball to tune into and watch, as Rubio looks to lead Arizona back to the NCAA Tournament. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!