Bio

Bryan Buckius was named the head coach of the SMC men's volleyball program in June 2025. 

Buckius takes the helm after serving as an assistant coach during the 2024 season at NCAA member Catawba College. He also served as the school’s interim head women’s beach volleyball coach.

Prior to his time with the Indians, he was the head men’s volleyball coach at Tusculum University, where he led the Pioneers to back-to-back record-setting seasons in 2022 and 2023. The team was ranked in the top 10 of the Division II coaches poll in both 2023 and 2024. His accomplishments earned him a 2022 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Thirty Under 30 Award.

Under his leadership, student-athletes received numerous honors, including a National Libero of the Week award, five Independent Volleyball Association (IVA) Player of the Week selections, and two All-IVA Team recognitions.

Also, while at Tusculum, he started the men’s beach volleyball program which advanced to the AVCA Collegiate Beach National Championship in 2023.

Buckius also brings USA Volleyball experience, having worked with the Beach National Development Team Program and as an assistant coach for the U17 Boys Beach National team.

His coaching résumé includes previous stops at King University and Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Millersville University and a master’s degree from Catawba University.