Tim Louks, legendary McMaster women’s volleyball coach, retires after 37 seasons

HAMILTON, Ont. – After an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades, Tim Louks, the celebrated head coach of the McMaster women’s volleyball team, has announced his retirement. Coach Louks has been a cornerstone of the Marauders’ program for 37 seasons, profoundly influencing countless student-athletes and leaving an enduring legacy.

Louks’ journey with McMaster began in 1978 as a standout student-athlete, earning MVP honours twice. Transitioning to coaching, he led the McMaster men’s team for three seasons before taking over the women’s program in 1989. Over the next 34 years, Coach Louks transformed McMaster women’s volleyball into a highly respected perennial contender in the Canadian volleyball landscape.

“I think every coach wants to leave [the program] better than they found it” says Louks. “It’s been cool to watch a lot of things I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of to keep moving forward. I think all of those, including the team, are in pretty good shape and have a promising future.”

After 20 seasons of building a program from the ground up, the work began to pay off in the 2007-08 season as Louks led the team to their first-ever OUA Quigley Cup championship, followed by conference titles in 2013-14 and 2016-17. Beyond the court, Coach Louks was instrumental in bringing the 2012 National Women’s Volleyball Championship back to Ontario after a 16-year hiatus, and again hosting a successful 2024 U SPORTS Volleyball Championship in the historic Burridge Gymnasium.

“I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished and grateful for the relationships my McMaster journey has afforded me over the years” said Louks. “But it’s also important to know when to get off the stage, too.”

Coach Louks’ influence extends beyond championships. His leadership has cultivated over 44 OUA All-Stars, six OUA Rookies of the Year, seven OUA Award of Merit recipients, and six CIS/U SPORTS All-Canadians. Notably, two student-athletes under his guidance received the prestigious Thérèse Quigley Award, recognizing excellence in athletics, academics, and community service. Coach Louks himself earned OUA Coach of the Year honours a remarkable seven times.

“Tim has brought an unmatched passion and dedication to every role within our department” said Britt Rumney, Manager of Competitive Sport at McMaster. “His tireless commitment and willingness to share ideas have not only shaped his team and alumni, but our department as a whole – inspiring us all to believe in our potential and strive for excellence. His retirement marks the end of an era, but the legacy and impact on our department, his former players and the sport of volleyball will resonate for years to come.”

“Tim Louks‘ impact on our community, women’s volleyball in Canada, and our department is immeasurable,” said Mack Abbott, Manager of Competitive Sport. “His dedication, passion, and commitment have set a standard of excellence that will continue to inspire future generations. We are deeply grateful for everything he has done for McMaster.”

Recently, Louks filled in as the Interim Associate Athletics Director, further exemplifying his dedication to enhancing the student-athlete experience at McMaster through positive change. His contributions have spanned various roles, including Clubs Coordinator, Sport Fitness School Coordinator, and Intramural Coordinator. His unwavering commitment to the Department of Athletics and Recreation has left a significant mark on the McMaster community and beyond.

“Tim’s leadership and dedication have profoundly shaped the experience of hundreds, if not thousands of McMaster student-athletes over his time here,” said Sean Van Koughnett, Associate Vice-President (Students and Learning) & Dean of Students. “His legacy of excellence and commitment will be felt for many years to come. We are incredibly grateful for his contributions and look forward to his continued support in his new role.”

As he transitions from head coaching, Louks will continue to support the women’s volleyball team as an assistant coach and share his vast expertise with the department. 

“While this is a retirement from the university at large, I’m excited about the opportunity to have an impact on the team in a different capacity over the coming years. It’s unique that I’ll still get to be around, and that’s pretty cool,” he added.

A special celebration to honour Coach Louks’ remarkable career will be announced in the near future.