Garth Pischke (Coach)

NAME: Garth Pischke

UNIVERSITY: Manitoba

CATEGORY: Coach

CW Hall of Fame Class of 2025-26

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Served as head coach of the Manitoba Bisons men’s volleyball program for 38 seasons

• Guided the Bisons to 27 U SPORTS National Championship appearances, including 19 consecutive national tournament berths and 14 straight medal finishes

• Led Manitoba to nine national championships, along with nine silver and five bronze medals at the national level

• Finished his coaching career with a 1,361–419 record (.765 winning percentage), including a U SPORTS–record 1,026 wins against Canadian universities

• Served as head coach of Canada’s National Men’s Volleyball Team from 1996 to 2000, helping elevate the program from 21st to 10th in the world rankings

BIOGRAPHY:

Garth Pischke leaves a legacy as one of the most accomplished and influential coaches in Canada West and Canadian volleyball history. He served as head coach of the Manitoba Bisons men’s volleyball program for a total of 38 seasons, beginning in 1979-80 and retiring following the 2019–20 campaign, establishing one of the most consistently successful programs in U SPORTS.

During his tenure, Pischke guided the Bisons to 27 U SPORTS National Championship appearances, including 19 consecutive national tournament berths and an unprecedented run of 14 straight medal finishes. Under his leadership, Manitoba captured nine national championships, nine silver medals, and five bronze medals, cementing the Bisons as a perennial national contender.

A six-time U SPORTS Coach of the Year, Pischke finished his career with an overall coaching record of 1,361–419, good for a remarkable 76.5 winning percentage. His 1,026 career wins against Canadian universities set a new U SPORTS record, and his impact extended well beyond wins and titles, with 42 of his student-athletes going on to represent Canada at the national-team level.

From 1996 to 2000, Pischke temporarily stepped away from the Bisons to serve as head coach of Canada’s National Men’s Volleyball Team, helping elevate the program from 21st to 10th in the world rankings.

Before his coaching career, the Winnipeg native enjoyed a distinguished playing career, winning national championships with the Winnipeg Wesmen in 1974 and 1977 and with the Bisons in 1978, while also representing Canada at the Olympic Games in 1976 and 1984.

Beyond the court, Pischke was a pioneer in advancing volleyball in Canada, playing a key role in the introduction and national adoption of statistical tracking in the sport through his leadership in the Men’s Volleyball Coaches Association. His lasting legacy is defined by excellence, innovation, and a commitment to developing student-athletes at the highest level.