STOCKTON, Calif. – Returning back to her hometown, Jaida Ward was hired as Head Coach of the Pacific beach volleyball program, announced by director of athletics Adam Tschuor.
 
"University of the Pacific has been my home away from home ever since I was young, and when I came in for my interview it really felt like home. I am a Stocktonian," Ward said. "I'm excited to come in, build the program and immediately start recruiting. I really want to do a good job increasing the visibility of this team, not only at the school but also within the community. I can't wait to get started."
 
Ward is a product of Lincoln High School and arrives at Pacific after a decorated playing career at San Jose State. She's coached with four different club teams in California.
 
"Jaida was quite frankly one of the most impressive interviews I've been a part of in my career and will bring a lot of new energy and a demonstrative level of dedication to our beach volleyball program," Tschuor said. "Coach Ward has a great mix of playing and coaching experience in the state of California and along with her many ties and love for the Stockton community I could not be more excited for this program. I look forward to watching her elevate our team."
 
Ward spent the last two years coaching at Encore Volleyball Club and trained junior athletes from preseason clinics through end of season championships. Ward also coached both beach and indoors at Mountain View Volleyball Club and served as a beach volleyball coach at both Vision Beach Volleyball and Rage Beach Volleyball Club.
 
As a student-athlete, Ward stands as both the all-time career wins leader and single-season wins leader at SJSU, primarily playing on Court One for four years. A Scholar Athlete for five semesters and a Mountain West Scholar Athlete, Ward served on the leadership committee and was a coach-to-play liaison.
 
Ward graduated from SJSU in May 2024 with a degree in Justice Studies – Criminology/Sociology.
 
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