Pacific Lutheran University Athletics

Kevin Aoki, who has led Pacific Lutheran to 12 Northwest Conference championships (1999, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2023), has posted a 526-240 record in 30 years as head coach at his alma mater.

Since taking over the PLU coaching job in 1996, Aoki has been named NWC Coach of the Year 11 times (1999, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2023) and the AVCA West Region Coach of the Year three times (1999, 2004 and 2007).

Aoki's 2025 team captured the NWC Tournament title for the second time in three years, punching a ticket to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the 14th time in program history.

His 2023 squad won the NWC regular season with a perfect 16-0 record before capturing the inaugural NWC Tournament title. The 2023 Lutes tied a school record by winning 19 consecutive matches, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. The 2023 campaign was the third time under Aoki's direction that the Lutes won the conference title with a perfect 16-0 record. 

Aoki won his 500th career game on Sept. 28, 2024, a 3-0 road sweep of Lewis & Clark College. His milestone 400th career win came at the expense of Briar Cliff University at the Spike it Up Classic in Colorado on Sept. 7, 2018.

The Hawai'i native came to the Pacific Lutheran volleyball program in the fall of 1996 with a wealth of high school coaching experience. He led the Bethel High School program for 12 seasons, with nine of his teams qualifying for the state tournament.

Aoki received his bachelor's degree in physical education in 1984 from Pacific Lutheran University. While attending PLU, Aoki served as volunteer assistant coach of the women's volleyball program in 1983. He also played on the Lute men's club team. He earned his master's in Educational Technology from City University in 1995. In high school, Aoki attended Iolani School in Honolulu, where as a defensive specialist he helped his team to a second-place finish in the boys' prep state volleyball tournament.

Aoki also serves as co-advisor for the Hawaiian Club.  Aoki, his wife Bethany (a PLU graduate) and their sons, Aiden and Brennan, live in Puyallup.

Career Coaching Record