NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The Yale volleyball program, aiming for its fourth-straight Ivy League title this season, have added a national champion to its coaching staff. Austin Buchanan, a two-time NCAA Division I champion as a student-athlete who also brings college and club-level coaching experience, will join the coaching staff this fall, head coach Erin Appleman announced today.

Buchanan won two NCAA national championships and two Big West Conference titles while playing at the University of Hawaii. After graduating from Hawaii, Buchanan went on to play a season at Sacred Heart University where he was named a team captain. 

"We're thrilled to have Austin on staff," said Appleman. "He has top-level playing experience with two NCAA national titles. His winning mindset will be a wonderful addition to our program's championship culture."

Most recently, Buchanan has coached at Northeast Volleyball Club in Norwalk, Conn., and Joel Barlow High School in Redding, Conn. He also served as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Idaho. 

"I am honored to work along such talented coaches and be a part of a historic program that consistently competes for championships," Buchanan said. "I look forward to helping build on the program's strong foundation and contribute to its continued success."    

As a setter, Buchanan earned a spot on the Big West Commissioner's Honor Roll in 2021 and 2023. While at Sacred Heart, he earned a spot on Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association All-Academic Team. 

Yale opens the 2025 season on Friday, September 5 at Villanova.