UCLA women’s volleyball coach Andy Banachowski to retire

Andy Banachowski, women’s volleyball coach at UCLA since the program’s inception in 1965 except for two seasons, announced Monday that he’ll retire June 30.

Banachowski, a graduate of UCLA, won six national titles as the Bruins’ coach, the last in 1991. He has a record of 1,106-301 in 43 years as coach. UCLA has appeared in 11 NCAA Final Fours since 1981.

“I am grateful to UCLA for allowing me to be the head coach of the women’s volleyball team for all these years,” Banachowski said. “I have always realized that there would come a time for this wonderful journey called coaching to come to an end, and I have decided to retire when my contract expires at the end of this school year.”

During his career, Banachowski coached 13 future Olympians. That group includes Elaine Youngs and Holly McPeak, who won the bronze medal in beach volleyball at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Banachowski, 64, graduated from UCLA in 1968. He was inducted into the National Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1997.

-- Chris Foster JURISPRUDENCE

Williams admits guilt in shooting

Former NBA star Jayson Williams took responsibility for accidentally shooting his limousine driver to death eight years ago by pleading guilty to assault and agreeing to serve at least 18 months in prison.

Williams was awaiting re- trial on a reckless manslaughter count but pleaded guilty in Somerville, N.J., to the lesser aggravated assault count for the 2002 death of Costas Christofi.

The assault charge carries a minimum 18-month sentence because a gun was involved. The reckless manslaughter count would have carried a maximum 10-year prison sentence. Under his plea agreement, Williams will serve 18 months in state prison for the aggravated assault charge and up to five years for a prior conviction of trying to cover up the crime. The sentences will be concurrent and he’ll be eligible for parole after 18 months.

PRO BASKETBALL

Redd needs knee surgery again

Milwaukee’s Michael Redd tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee for the second time in less than a year on Sunday night in the second quarter of the Bucks’ loss to the Lakers.

An MRI exam Monday in Phoenix revealed the injury, which will require surgery. The Bucks guard previously had surgery in March after tearing the same ligaments last January.

BASEBALL

Cuban pitcher signs with Reds

Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman agreed to a $30.25-million, six-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds, who view him as an addition to their rotation down the road.

The 21-year-old gained notoriety during the World Baseball Classic in March, when he threw around 100 mph.

Vladimir Guerrero and the Texas Rangers finalized a $5.5-million, one-year contract that includes a mutual option for 2011.

ETC.

Tide’s McClain headed to NFL

Alabama All-American linebacker Rolando McClain is skipping his senior season to make himself available for the NFL draft.

McClain anchored the national champion Crimson Tide’s defense and is projected as a first-round pick.

The Ducks signed goaltender Marco Cousineau to a three-year entry-level contract. Per club policy, no financial terms of the deal were disclosed.