The volleyball team played in the Goldmine gymnasium at CSULB until 1994. Since November 30, 1994, the team has played at the Walter Pyramid. The 18-story tall complex has played host twice to the NCAA Men's Volleyball Championships. Its infrastructure utilizes 18,000 steel tubes and connection modules. It cost approximately $22 million to build.
With an overall record of 31 wins and just 4 losses, the 1991 NCAA Men's Volleyball Champions swept three out of their five post-season opponents. In the WIVA Tournament the 49ers beat UCSB and SDSU 3–0 before overcoming county/national nemesis, the UCLA Bruins 3–2. From there it was on to Hawaii for the '91 Final Four. 'the Beach' said aloha to Penn State in a clean sweep 3–0; they then needed an extra game winning 3–1 over longtime rival USC for their first national championship to date. 1991's team included these mentionable leaders: Alan Knipe, Brent Hilliard, Brett Winslow, Matt Lyles, Zach Small, Jason Stimpfig and Ray Ratelle. No other 'BEACH' Men's VB Team has ever won as many games as this singular team; they were a combined 89% in their win-lost ratio.
2018: Won second NCAA title by defeating UCLA 3-2. They defeated Ohio State University 3-1 in the semi-finals.
With co-Valuables Josh Tunaniga, JR-Setter AND TJ DeFalco, JR-Outside Hitter, eight thousand in the stands were treated to a thrilling five-setter match favoring the men of south L.A. county.
2019: Won third NCAA title by defeating Hawaii 3-1. LB defeated Pepperdine University 3-1 in the semi-finals.
Notable players
Taylor Crabb – 2013 AVCA P.O.Y.; AVCA 2013 & 2014 1st Team All-American, 2012 Volleyball Magazine 3rd Team All-American
Bob Ctvrtlik – Asics/VB Mag. honorable mention All-American, First U.S. Olympic Team Member/49er who won Olympic Medals in men's volleyball
Tyler Hildebrand – 4 yr starter who simultaneously doubled as the U.S. National Team's setter, 3-time AVCA—and Asics/VB Mag.--1st Team All-American, all 3rd team MPSF 15th Yr. Anniversary Team. Current Associate Coach.
Brent Hilliard – 4-time All-American, 1992 AVCA National Player of the Year, MVP of 1991 Final Finals, all 1st team MPSF 15th Yr. Anniversary Team, U.S. Olympic Team Member. Hilliard's #7 jersey is retired hanging in LBSU's Pyramid.
Tom Hoff – 2-time AVCA—and Asics/VB Mag.--1st Team All-American, U.S. Olympic Team Member, all 2nd Team MPSF 15th Yr. Anniversary Team, Collegiate triple-doubles leader
Mark Kerins – Asics/VB Mag. 1st Team All-American, Asics/VB Mag. 2nd Team All-American, AVP Beach Pro, Senior captain of the most superior 49er men's team assembled in LBSU history.
Alan Knipe – 2-time AVCA—and Asics/VB Mag.--All-American, 2004 AVCA Coach of the Year, U.S. National Team Coach, 2017 MPSF C.O.Y.
Paul Lotman – 2008 AVCA 1st Team All-American & National Player of the Year
David McKenzie – 3-time All-American, holds the NCAA record for kills in a game, all 3rd team MPSF 15th Yr. Anniversary Team, sibling to Joy Fuerbringer
Miles Pabst – 2-time All-American who led the team to the 1973 NCAA Final Four, U.S. National Team Member, First 49er to return to LBSU as head coach
Dodge Parker – Pioneer from VB factory Punahou School, 1986 LBSU Hall of Fame Inductee, NCAA Men's VB & International Volleyball Association's Star, U.S. National Team Member
Josh Tuaniga – 2018 NCAA MVB POY. Four-time AVCA All-American, 2016 Off the Block all-Freshman, inaugural 2018 BWCT MVP.
Brett Winslow – 4-time All-American, 1996 Olympian and team captain of the 1991 national title squad. Winslow's #15 jersey is retired hanging in LBSU's Pyramid.
Scott Touzinsky – 2001 MPSF Co-Freshman of the Year, 2004 AVCA First Team All-American, and 2004 NCAA All-Tournament, 2008 USA Olympic Gold Medalist
