The MNU Athletic Department is pleased to announce the hiring Head Volleyball Coach Rick Banis. Prior to MNU, he was an assistant coach at Bishop Kelley High School, Lewis University (IL), College of St. Mary (NE), and Newman University (KS). In two years with Bishop Kelly HS, the varsity won two State Championships while going 130-0-2. At Newman University as interim-Head Coach, Banis led the team to a 31-11 season, making it to the regional tournament. While assistant coach at College of St. Mary, he helped the team to a top-ten ranking. Last season coach Banis was the assistant Men's Volleyball Coach for a Lewis University team which ended their season ranked 14th in the nation for NCAA D1.

As a player/coach Banis was an outside hitter for Newman University and in 2004 led the team to Men's NAIA National Championship match. From 93-98, coach Banis served in the US Air Force as a Senior Airman at McClellan AFB (CA) and Misawa AFB (Japan).

"We are incredibly pleased to have a coach of Rick's caliber choose to join the MNU staff," says MNU Athletic Director Kevin Steele. "Pioneer volleyball can look forward to an exciting future as he brings a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and professionalism to our program."