Tom Amberg

Tom returns as the head coach the 18 Black team for the 2025-26 season at AVC after winning a bronze medal at USAV Nationals with 18 Black in the 2024-25 season.

Tom has 11 years of coaching experience overall, with his tenure at Absolute Volleyball Club starting in 2020. He has previously coached the 18 Black, 15 Black, and 18 Blue teams.

Some of Tom’s notable coaching achievements include leading the 2022 15 Black team to an 11th place finish in the USAV GJNC Open Division, 3rd place at the Triple Crown NIT, winning the PNQ, and securing the #1 ranking in the region. In 2023, he guided the 18 Black team to a 25th place finish in the USAV GJNC Open Division and won the Sierra Qualifier. His 2024 teams also achieved impressive results, with the 18 Black team competing in the USAV GJNC Open Division and the 15 Black team placing 2nd at the PNQ and participating in the USAV GJNC National Division.

Tom played as an outside hitter, middle blocker, and right-side hitter. He attended Valhalla High School, where he was part of the SDS CIF Champion team in 2005 and was named the All-League Player of the Year in 2007 and 2008.

He continued his volleyball career at UCLA, graduating in 2012 with a BA in Sociology with a focus in economics. Tom played Division I volleyball in the MPSF conference and achieved significant milestones, including being 7th in career hitting percentage, 2nd in solo blocks, 1st in block assists, 1st in total blocks, and 7th in total points. He was also a 2012 AVCA First Team All-American.

In addition to his incredible collegiate career, Tom continued playing after college on the USA Men’s National Team, competing at the 2011 World University Games in Shenzhen, China, and the 2009 U-21 World Championships in Pune, India.

Tom also played professionally for three seasons with Asnieres Volley 92 in Paris, France.

His coaching philosophy is centered around balancing technique, volleyball IQ, competition, and fun. He aims to develop self-reliant athletes who can effectively identify and work through problems.

Tom enjoys the ever-changing puzzle aspect of the game and finds it incredibly rewarding when players learn to solve it. Outside of volleyball, Tom enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, live music, and travel.