DENVER – University of Denver volleyball head coach Megan Pendergast has named Zach Hendrickson and Cali Thompson assistant coaches for the Pioneers ahead of the program's preseason camp in August.

Hendrickson arrives on the Denver campus after a season as an assistant at Central Michigan University and a year as a graduate manager at South Carolina. The BYU alum helped the Chippewas back to the Mid-American Conference for the first time in seven seasons last fall, guiding the program to a third-place finish in the regular season and a semifinal appearance. Following its MAC campaign, Central Michigan played in the NIVC Tournament.

In his season as a GA at South Carolina, he coordinated the program's summer camps and assisted in the day-to-day operations for an SC team that reached the NCAA Tournament.

"I am incredibly excited to welcome Zach Hendrickson to our program," Pendergast said. "I am truly looking forward to working alongside Zach and witnessing the immense impact he will undoubtedly have on our program. Having competed at the highest level collegiately, Zach brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. His relentless drive to be great is evident in everything he does, from his tireless work ethic to his unwavering dedication to the sport. I firmly believe that Zach is one of the most talented young assistants out there, and his passion for coaching is inspiring. We are fortunate to have Zach on board."

Thompson and Pendergast will reunite in Denver after a season together with Thompson as a setter at UCLA. In her lone season with the Bruins after three with Portland, Thompson finished the campaign with 500 aces in 23 matches (6.58/set) and 2.13 digs per set. In three seasons with the Pilots, Thompson averaged over 10 assists and two digs per set, while racking up 112 service aces.

Following her collegiate career, Thompson has played professional overseas for Curitiba Volei (2021-22) in Brazil and Clube Kairos (2022-23) in Portugal.

"I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Cali Thompson to the Denver volleyball program," Pendergast said. "Cali brings a level of excitement and energy that is unmatched. Having played professionally and collegiately at the highest level, Cali brings invaluable experience and expertise to our program. Her vibrant personality and positive attitude are infectious, creating a dynamic and motivating environment for our student-athletes. We are privileged to have Cali as part of our program, and I cannot wait to see the positive impact she will have on Denver Volleyball.

"I always believed that Cali would excel as a coach when I had the opportunity to coach her at UCLA, and I am so grateful I get to work with her again, now as an assistant coach at DU."

Pendergast and her two new assistants will begin their first preseason together this August.

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