Mansfield takes over the Sooners program after serving the last six seasons as head coach at Loyola Marymount, leading the Lions to a 94-68 (.580) record and taking them to a pair of NCAA Tournaments. He also served as an assistant coach for the LMU women's beach volleyball program from 2017-19.
Prior to his time in Los Angeles, Mansfield spent five years on Santa Clara's staff, the last three as associate head coach of the indoor team and head coach of its sand team.
This past season, Mansfield guided Loyola Marymount to 18-10 overall and 13-5 (third place) conference records, and to the NCAA Tournament. Sophomore outside hitter Kari Geissberger was named an honorable mention All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
LMU's other NCAA Tournament appearance under Mansfield came in 2018, his second season as head coach. He directed the Lions to a 3-0 first-round win over Duke before falling to No. 1 overall seed and eventual national champion Stanford. LMU finished the season with a 21-10 record, and setter Tess Reid earned honorable mention All-America honors.
Mansfield's LMU squads lead the West Coast Conference in aces in 2017, 2018 and 2021, and paced the league in kills and assists in 2018. He has also enjoyed success on the recruiting trail, signing top-25 classes for LMU in 2019 and 2020.
"We're very excited to welcome Aaron, his wife Lindsey and their sons Greyson and Avett to the Sooner family," said Castiglione. "Aaron is a high-energy and experienced coach who possesses a genuine passion for volleyball, which is infectious to everyone around him or connected with this ever-growing sport. Likewise, his teams reflect that enthusiasm in their fast-paced and fun style of play. As important, he exudes a sincere confidence and authenticity while working diligently to foster a positive and healthy culture for everyone in his program. From what we learned in speaking to coaches and key stakeholders around college volleyball, we're confident our student-athletes will be excited, as they are to benefit from his coaching and development as we build our program for future success."
In his five seasons on Santa Clara's indoor staff, the Broncos made three NCAA Tournament appearances, registered 21 All-WCC selections and garnered 28 WCC All-Academic picks. In his final season there, the Broncos recorded their best start in program history at 9-0, which included a road win over No. 7 USC during opening weekend. Santa Clara eventually earned a No. 17 ranking in the AVCA Coaches Poll, it's best since 2006.
The Broncos advanced to the NCAA Tournament in three of his five seasons with the school (2012, 2014 and 2015). The 2014 team went 22-10 overall and 12-6 in WCC play, while the 2015 squad posted 22-9 and 13-5 records.
"I am filled with gratitude and excitement for this opportunity to lead the volleyball program at OU," said the 40-year-old Mansfield. "I want to thank Joe Castiglione, Jaye Rideaux and the rest of the search committee for their belief in me to be the next leader of this program. It is very clear to me how genuine and authentic the people at OU are, and the passion they have for providing the necessary resources for a world-class student-athlete experience. It is a special time to be at OU with the upcoming transition to the SEC, which I believe is on track to be the premier volleyball conference in the country, top to bottom. I can't wait to get to work."
Prior to his stint at Santa Clara, Mansfield coached five seasons at UC Santa Barbara, his alma mater, on the men's volleyball staff. He served the 2006 and 2012 seasons as first assistant.
In 2007, Mansfield was invited to train with the USA National Team where he played for two years. He also competed on the AVP Tour beginning in 2005 and led the tour in digs in 2010. During that time, he also worked as the Club Santa Barbara Boys 18U head coach and spent two years coaching club at Manhattan Beach Surf, leading his teams to two silver medals in the 17U Open Division of Jr. Nationals. He also coached at Loyola High School, earning CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) and state championships.
Mansfield, who is from Sunnyvale, Calif., played collegiately for the Gauchos and was a four-year starter and three-year team captain. He was named to the All-MPSF (Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) Team all four years and in 2005 earned All-America honors as a libero. He graduated from UCSB in 2005 with a degree in cultural anthropology and as the school's all-time digs leader (1,000).
After graduating from UCSB, Mansfield took volunteer assistant position with UCSB women's program for one season before joining the men's staff.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT AARON MANSFIELD
Loyola Marymount Athletic Director Craig Pintens:"Aaron Mansfield is one of the top volleyball coaches in the nation, as Oklahoma fans will soon find out. His blend of volleyball knowledge, scouting and analytics always prepares his teams. The separator for Aaron is his ability to connect with student-athletes at an elite level. He instills a growth mindset into not only the young women in his program, but everyone associated with his program. Oklahoma got a great human being and head coach."
Former 20-Year Santa Clara Head Women's Volleyball Coach Jon Wallace:
"From the first conversation I had with Aaron Mansfield, I knew he was destined to do great things in our sport. He's a terrific recruiter and trainer who helped build NCAA tournament teams at both Santa Clara University and at Loyola Marymount. Aaron has an incredible ability to connect with individuals to develop characteristics that lead to both success on the court and in life. Most importantly, Aaron is a thoughtful and compassionate person who cares deeply about his profession and the student-athletes he coaches. He is a terrific family man and a true friend. Oklahoma has hired themselves a great coach who lives and breathes volleyball."
