Ralph Rivas is in his second stint with Azusa Pacific, and his eighth year as an assistant for the Cougar volleyball program. He coached with Azusa Pacific from 2001-2004, and returned in 2009 and has been with the program ever since.

Rivas' coaching resume dates back to 1993, where coached at Maranatha High School from 1993-1999, and again from 2004-2008. His connections with Maranatha run deep, and he has hosted volleyball camps at the school since 1994. Rivas is also an accomplished club coach, guiding his team to six consecutive junior national appearances.

Rivas is currently pursuing his masters in pastoral studies at Azusa Pacific, and is on track to graduate in December, 2012. His daughters, Kerry Rivas ('99) and Melanie Rivas ('03) played volleyball at Azusa Pacific.