Vanguard University

Brian Rofer debuted at Vanguard with a memorable season in smashing debut season in 2022-2023.  Taking over an experienced roster, Rofer guided the team to a near perfect GSAC record and a regular season championship.  Despite falling short in the GSAC Tournament, the Blue and Gold went to Des Moines, Iowa, and beat Jamestown (N.D.) and Grand View (Iowa) to reach the semifinals.  Exacting some vengeance on The Master's to reach the finals, VU went down 2-0 against Benedictine Mesa.  But Coach Rofer told the broadcast that the fifth set would be fun, and so it proved to be, as the Lions rallied to complete the reverse-sweep and claim the first NAIA team Championship since men's basketball in 2015.  

His squad battled hard in 2025 in the new world of NCAA competition that pitted the Blue and Gold against some of the top collegiate programs in country.  

Rofer brings extensive coaching experience to the Blue and Gold, having spent 22 years as the top men's volleyball assistant at UCLA. Most recently, he has served as the assistant boys coach at Loyola High School in Los Angeles. He also has strong connections to the club scene with his involvement the last five years as a consulting coach for Manhattan Beach Surf Volleyball.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Brian Rofer to the Lions Family," said Director of Athletics Jeff Bussell. "Brian has experienced great success in this 20-plus years of coaching at the highest level. He is a winner in every aspect. His coaching abilities are exceptional, but he also is an incredible educator of young men. Brian and Coach Vallely already have an established relationship and will mesh well together as they lead our program. We look forward to the impact Brian will make on and off the court."

Under legendary head coach Al Scates, Rofer played a key role in UCLA's success. The Bruins won six NCAA championships and had 10 national runner-up finishes as Rofer was heavily involved in recruiting, scouting and game planning and statistical analysis.

A 1982 graduate of UCLA with a degree in Psychology, Rofer was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year in 2012. He helped mentor 33 All-Americans and 72 all-conference players in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. The Bruins compiled an impressive record of 486-179 with Rofer on the bench.

"I am truly blessed to be able to join this team of highly motivated and talented student-athletes," said Rofer. "This group has the matter-of-fact potential that can culminate in our seniors leaving behind a legacy of champions and a tradition of success to be built on. I want to thank Mr. Bussell for his trust and for this opportunity. It is an honor to be part of the Vanguard community. Go Lions!"

Following his long run at UCLA, Rofer transitioned to Loyola High School in 2015. He led the junior varsity program to a league championship, and the varsity team to a CIF title and CIF regional title.

Prior to joining the UCLA staff, Rofer served as head coach at Edison High School in Huntington Beach in 1990-91. He earned Orange County Coach of the Year accolades.

Rofer lettered for Scates from 1978-80 as a middle blocker, playing with former UCLA All-Americans Sinjin Smith and Karch Kiraly, among others. He was a member of the 1979 NCAA title team that finished 29-0.