Former Cal Poly volleyball coach dead at 54 

One of Cal Poly’s most successful, and controversial, volleyball coaches has died, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed June 26.

Jon Phillip Stevenson, of Pismo Beach, was found in a residence in Van Nuys on June 24. He was 54.

The cause of death is not yet known, according to assistant chief investigator at the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, and a cause likely won’t be released until the office receives results from a toxicology test, which could take up to six weeks.

Stevenson came to Cal Poly in February 2005 and, during his six-season stint as head coach, led the team to a 115-61 overall record and a third-place finish at the Big West Conference.

He was removed as coach in September 2011 and later resigned after New Times reported a number of his student athletes had accused Stevenson of harassment and inappropriate behavior. The investigation revealed that Cal Poly officials had been aware of the accusations for months.

Prior to his arrival at Cal Poly, he coached at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif., and was named NCAA Division “Coach of the Year” by VBall Magazine in 2004.

He was regarded as a big name in the professional beach volleyball circuit, and, as of June 26, a long list of condolences had been posted on the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Facebook page.

Stevenson was later replaced by current coach Sam Crosson.

New Times was unable to reach Stevenson’s family in regard to planned memorial services.