Buckius Named SMC's First Head Men's Volleyball Coach
(Story provided by Spartanburg Methodist College Sports Communications)
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — There will be a little more noise coming out of Bridges Arena during the winter and spring months of the 2026–27 academic year. That sound will be the squeak of shoes and the thump of volleyballs.
Spartanburg Methodist College is excited to announce the hiring of Bryan Buckius as the first head coach of the new men's volleyball program.
"We're thrilled to welcome Bryan Buckius as the first head coach of our men's volleyball program," said Megan Aiello, SMC Athletic Director. "Bryan is deeply committed to building a competitive program rooted in the development of our student-athletes—both on the court and in the classroom. His leadership will help shape not only great players, but great young men who represent the values of SMC."
"I'm incredibly honored to be named the first head men's volleyball coach at Spartanburg Methodist College," said Buckius. "I want to sincerely thank President Scott Cochran, Athletic Director Megan Aiello, and the entire search committee for believing in my vision and entrusting me with this opportunity. It's a privilege to join an institution with such a strong commitment to student-athlete success."
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.
"I'm excited to build this program from the ground up and help create a competitive and character-driven culture that reflects the values of SMC," said Buckius. "This is an exciting time for men's volleyball, especially here in South Carolina, where the sport continues to grow rapidly. I look forward to helping elevate the game in our state and giving student-athletes a platform to thrive both on and off the court."
The men's volleyball team will become the 15th varsity program at SMC, reinforcing the College's commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for student-athletes.
The team will compete primarily in the spring, with potential opportunities for fall competition. The Pioneers will join the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC), a league of 15 programs dedicated to athletic excellence and sportsmanship.