John Price was appointed as the Director of Women’s Volleyball at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in June 2022, marking a significant chapter for the Matadors’ volleyball program. In this pivotal role, Price is responsible for overseeing both the indoor and beach volleyball teams, bringing his extensive experience and leadership to CSUN Athletics.
In the 2022 season, the Matadors, under Price’s direction, recorded an overall record of 9-23. Within the competitive Big West Conference, the team finished tied for ninth place with a 4-16 record. Despite the challenging season, the program saw individual player recognition, with two student-athletes earning honors on The Big West 2022 Women’s Volleyball All-Conference Team. Sophomore Carisa Barron received an honorable mention for her all-around performance, while Breanna Mitchell was distinguished as part of the All-Freshman Team, highlighting the promising young talent within the Matadors squad.
Carisa Barron’s honorable mention was well-deserved, as she led the Matadors in assists with an impressive 624, averaging 5.07 assists per set. Barron also demonstrated her versatility by ranking third on the team in both kills (253) and digs (272), and fourth in blocks (57). She achieved a notable milestone by recording her first career triple-double in a thrilling five-set victory against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on September 16th. Adding to this achievement, Barron went on to secure five more triple-doubles in 20 Big West Conference matches. Her exceptional performance made her the only player in the Big West Conference women’s volleyball league to achieve multiple triple-doubles during the season, showcasing her as a standout player.
Price’s return to the CSUN indoor volleyball program in 2021 as an assistant coach under interim head coach Susie Terrusa preceded his directorship. This marked his second stint with the women’s volleyball program, having previously served as an assistant coach under Jeff Stork from 2012 to 2015. His history with CSUN extends further back; he briefly held the position of head coach for the women’s volleyball team in 1993, navigating the team to a 12-17 record as an NCAA Independent.
Beyond women’s volleyball, John Price has a distinguished 12-season tenure as the head coach of the nationally-ranked Matador men’s volleyball team from 1986 to 1997. Following his time at CSUN, Price spent 14 seasons, from 1997 to 2010, as the head women’s volleyball coach at CSU Bakersfield. His return to CSUN and appointment to Director of Women’s Volleyball signifies a homecoming for a coach deeply rooted in the university’s volleyball legacy.
During his previous tenure as assistant coach at CSUN starting in March 2012, working alongside Jeff Stork, Price’s impact was immediately felt. His coaching expertise contributed to a significant turnaround, helping CSUN achieve an impressive 46-26 overall record in his initial three seasons. The 2013 season was particularly remarkable, with the Matadors securing 24 victories, the highest win count for the program since 1996. That year, the team also achieved NCAA Tournament success, advancing to the second round after a notable first-round victory over No. 12 ranked Colorado State.
Price’s legacy in the San Fernando Valley was initially forged during his leadership of the Matador men’s volleyball team from 1986-1997. Over these 12 seasons, he amassed a 194-158 record, highlighted by a 23-10 season in 1993 that led the team to the NCAA Championship match, where they finished as runner-up to UCLA. In 1991, Price’s team achieved a 22-7 record and earned a No. 3 national ranking, a historic first for the school at the Division I level.
Transitioning to CSU Bakersfield women’s volleyball, John Price continued his successful coaching career and remains the program’s most winningest coach. Over 14 seasons, he compiled a 232-169 record, starting impressively with a 28-4 season in his first year. Price guided CSU Bakersfield through its transition from NCAA Division II to Division I, with his 2008 squad becoming the first Roadrunner team in any sport to achieve a winning record (18-15) in the Division I era.
Since 2015, prior to his return to CSUN as Director, Price has remained active in volleyball, working with youth club teams for both boys and girls at Legacy Volleyball Club in Valencia and Bakersfield Volleyball Club.
“I’m really excited to be given the opportunity to dip my toes back into collegiate volleyball,” Price stated upon his CSUN appointment. “Having been a head coach for nearly three decades, I believe I bring a unique perspective to the coaching staff. I am here to support Susie, offer advice when sought, and fully back her decisions. My focus is on contributing in the gym and working directly with the team.”
A Pasadena, California native, John Price is an alumnus of CSUN, graduating in 1983. His volleyball journey began at Crespi High School, followed by collegiate play at Pierce College and CSUN. He commenced his coaching career at Thousand Oaks High School in 1982, where he led the Lancers to two Marmonte League titles, setting the stage for his distinguished career in collegiate volleyball and his return to lead CSUN Women’s Volleyball.
