University of the Incarnate Word Athletics

Mark Papich – Volleyball Coach/Athletics Director, 1995-2015:

The name Mark Papich is synonymous with UIW Athletics – first as a coach from 1995-2002 then as an administrator from 2001-2015. Papich began his UIW career in 1995 as an assistant volleyball coach and was named head coach the following year. Papich’s 1997 squad reached a record 31 wins, were Heart of Texas Conference Champions, won the NAIA Southwest Regional Tournament, and made the program’s first-ever trip to the NAIA National Tournament. He was named Regional American Volleyball Coaches Association, NAIA Southwest Region and Heart of Texas Conference Coach of the Year. In total, he sits atop the volleyball record book with 124 wins as a coach. Papich also served as UIW’s Athletics Director from 2001-2015, an era that saw incredible growth in the UIW program by adding six sports and making the move from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I.