The Big Ten Conference announced its annual postgraduate scholarship recipients, honoring two student-athletes from each of the 18 Big Ten member institutions. Among this year’s distinguished honorees is UCLA men’s volleyball standout and OP 13 Mavericks Head Coach Matthew Aziz, recognized not only for his athletic and academic excellence but also for his exceptional leadership both on and off the court.
Aziz, a Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology major from Burbank, California, recently concluded a decorated collegiate career at UCLA. Across his four years as a Bruin, he helped lead the program to two NCAA national championships, along with an additional NCAA semifinal appearance and another championship match berth. His accomplishments reflect the consistency, discipline, and competitive excellence that define his approach to the game.
That same approach now shapes the rapidly rising OP 13 Mavericks, where Aziz serves as head coach. Known for his calm confidence and deep understanding of the sport, Aziz brings a teaching-centered coaching philosophy to the Mavericks gym. He pairs advanced volleyball IQ with a steady, encouraging demeanor that resonates with young athletes. His practices emphasize fundamentals, intentional reps, high accountability, and competitive joy, allowing players to develop not only their technical skills but also their mental toughness and love of the game.
Aziz is deeply committed to player development, investing time in each athlete and helping them build habits that will serve them for years to come. Parents consistently remark on his character, reliability, and the positive team culture he cultivates, one defined by humility, effort, togetherness, and fun. Under his leadership, the Mavericks have become a united, hardworking group that reflects both his values and his love for the kids he coaches.
At UCLA, Aziz also excelled in the classroom, earning repeated recognition for academic achievement. To qualify for the prestigious Big Ten Postgraduate Scholarship, student-athletes must maintain at least a 3.20 GPA, demonstrate leadership, serve as exemplary role models, and plan to pursue graduate study. Aziz’s selection underscores not only his academic capability but also his integrity and leadership within the Bruin community.
The Big Ten Postgraduate Scholarship will support Aziz as he furthers his education, covering expenses associated with graduate study, including tuition, fees, research, teaching responsibilities, and required materials. Recipients must begin a full-time graduate degree program within three years of their selection to retain the award.
Whether in Pauley Pavilion or in the Mavericks gym, Matthew Aziz has consistently embodied excellence, curiosity, and care. His legacy at UCLA is secure, and his impact on the OP 13 Mavericks continues to grow, shaping not just better volleyball players but stronger young men.