Central Washington University Athletics

Mario Andaya was announced as the Deputy Director of Athletics in December 2025, following a legendary career leading the Central Washington University volleyball program. For nearly three decades at the helm, Andaya guided CWU through its transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II and into the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, finishing his coaching career as the school’s all-time wins leader with an overall record of 489–315 (.608) and a GNAC record of 328–186 (.638), while also becoming the longest-tenured coach in GNAC history.

During his tenure, the Wildcats appeared in 14 NCAA Regional tournaments, including 13 consecutive appearances from 2013-2025, and recorded five 20-win seasons and 19 winning campaigns. His teams produced 15 AVCA All-Americans, six GNAC Players of the Year, and 38 All-GNAC first-team selections. Andaya was named GNAC Coach of the Year twice and led Central to one of the most remarkable seasons in Division II history in 2004, when the Wildcats completed an undefeated regular season.

His final season with the Wildcats in 2025 was another historic year, as the team claimed a share of the GNAC title with a 14-4 conference record and finished 19–8 overall. Central recorded six wins over nationally ranked Top 25 opponents, highlighted by a thrilling five-set victory over No. 14 Simon Fraser in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats advanced to the second round before falling in a five-set battle against Fresno Pacific University, closing the book on Andaya’s storybook career.

A Central Washington alumnus and former track and field standout, Andaya also built a strong culture of academic excellence, coaching more than 100 academic all-conference student-athletes. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Washington University and a master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University Irvine. Andaya resides in Ellensburg with his wife Molly, a former CWU volleyball standout, and their three children.