Pacific Union College Celebrates the Retirement of Coach Jack Cowden After 40+ Years in Volleyball

After an extraordinary and influential career spanning more than four decades, Coach Jack

Cowden is retiring from his position as head coach of both the men's and women's volleyball

programs at Pacific Union College. Known for his leadership, integrity, and commitment to

developing student-athletes, Cowden leaves behind a lasting legacy of excellence, mentorship,

and purpose. In just two seasons at PUC, he helped reshape the volleyball programs, restoring

competitive energy and raising expectations.

Coach Cowden joined the Pioneers in 2023 and immediately made an impact, bringing in strong

recruiting classes and emphasizing both athletic and academic achievement. Under his

leadership, the men's volleyball team reached the playoffs for the first time in five years,

numerous players were honored amongst the best nationally by the NAIA and both programs

excelled in the classroom.

"After 40 years of training athletes, it's time to pass the head coaching job to a younger

generation. It has been a privilege to be a part of so many young athletes striving to reach beyond

what they thought they could accomplish. I've witnessed numerous young adults become more

than athletes—they've grown into mature individuals with a deeper understanding of themselves

and the world around them." Reflected Cowden on his decision to retire.

"It has been my great honor and pleasure to be a part of their lives."

Before his time at Pacific Union College, Cowden built an impressive coaching resume at both

the collegiate and national levels. From 2009 to 2012, he served as the first assistant at Foothill College, helping the program secure three conference titles and two Sweet 16 appearances in the

California State Championships.

In 2012, Cowden partnered with the National Volleyball Coaches Association (NVCA) and USA

Volleyball to help lay the foundation for a national women's professional league (PVL). The

following year, he led the Northern California PVL team to a Final Four appearance at the 2013

National Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.

That same year, he joined the volleyball staff at Dominican University, further establishing his

reputation as a thoughtful, skilled, and impactful coach. A former NCAA student-athlete himself,

Cowden is trained in the Gold Medal Squared system and is a CAP III-certified coach through

USA Volleyball—one of the sport's highest certifications. His coaching experience extends over

25 years and across multiple sports, age groups, and levels of competition.

As Cowden transitions into retirement, Pacific Union College is proud to promote two of his

trusted assistants to head coaching roles.

Andrew Randolph, a Napa Valley native will assume leadership of the women's program.

Randolph brings over 10 years of experience coaching club volleyball and has worked closely

with high-level athletes. With a bachelor's in Coaching and Psychology as well as a masters in

Sports Psychology from California Baptist University, he's known for his detailed planning, deep

game analysis, and a strong foundation in fitness and conditioning. His thoughtful and

professional approach makes him well-suited to elevate PUC's young athletes to the next level.

Louis "Bambi" Ramirez, a PUC alumnus and former collegiate player, will step into the role of

head coach for the men's volleyball team. Ramirez has also coached the PUC Preparatory High

School volleyball teams and served alongside Cowden as an assistant. In addition to his athletic

background, Ramirez is a trained therapist and spiritual counselor, offering players critical

support in both the mental and emotional aspects of high-level competition. His intuitive

coaching style and compassionate leadership are expected to be key in helping student-athletes

transition and thrive.

"Coach Jack wasn't only a valuable team member for the Athletics Department but to the entire

college," said Daniel Morales, Pacific Union College Assistant Athletics Director. "His ability to connect with people of all backgrounds, think innovatively, and raise the standard for our

programs has left a lasting print. He's built a strong foundation that Andrew and Louis are more

than capable of carrying forward. We wish coach Jack nothing but the best in his retirement and

thank him for the incredible dedication, wisdom, and heart he brought to PUC".

For more information on Pacific Union College athletics including recent news, event schedules

and sponsorship opportunities visit www.pioneersathletics.com.