Hugh McCutcheon

US Olympic Gold Medal Volleyball Coach, Gophers Women's Volleyball Coach

Hugh McCutcheon is the head volleyball coach for the University of Minnesota Women’s team. He has led the Golden Gophers for 8 seasons, leading them to 2 Big Ten Titles, 7 NCAA tournament appearances and 3 Final Fours, solidifying their status as a national power. In 2015 he was named the AVCA National Coach of the Year as well as the Big Ten Coach of the Year.

Prior to coming to the U, he shined on the international stage. He served as the US Women’s National Team coach, leading them to a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics, as well as 3 consecutive gold medals at the Women’s Volleyball FIVB Grand Prix. As the coach of the US Men’s National Team, he led them to a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics and at the 2008 Men’s Volleyball World League. He has a combined record with USA Volleyball of 213-72.

As a player, he played first for the University of Canterbury in New Zealand and the for BYU. While with the Cougars, he earned Academic All-American Honors in 1992 and Honorable Mention All-American Honors in 1993. He also represented New Zealand on their national team between 1988 and 1996.

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Hugh came to the US to attend BYU where he received his bachelor’s degree in physical education. He subsequently earned a master’s degree and then an MBA from BYU. He is married to Minnesota native and US Olympian Elisabeth Bachman and they have 2 children, Andrew and Annika.