Spartanburg Methodist College Names Zach Smith Assistant Men’s Volleyball Coach

Spartanburg Methodist College and head men’s volleyball coach Bryan Buckius have announced the hiring of Zach Smith as the program’s new assistant coach ahead of the inaugural Pioneer men’s volleyball season.

“Zach is an outstanding addition to our men’s volleyball program here at Spartanburg Methodist College," said head coach Bryan Buckius. "From the beginning of the hiring process, it was clear that his experience as both a player and coach, combined with his passion for developing student-athletes, made him a perfect fit for what we are building. His values align with our vision for the program, which is excelling in the classroom, competing at a high level on the court, and creating an exceptional student-athlete experience every day."

"I am incredibly grateful to Coach Bryan Buckius and the entire SMC community for bringing me in to be a part of this inaugural year," said Smith. "Having watched men’s volleyball grow tremendously over the last few years, I am thrilled to be a part of yet another milestone for this program and the school."

Smith joins the Pioneers after spending the past four years in the coaching ranks following a successful playing career at Concordia University Wisconsin. During his time at Concordia, Smith helped launch the university’s men’s volleyball program before continuing his playing career overseas with Green Volley Club in Rome, Italy, where he competed in Italy’s Serie C league.

After his playing career, Smith transitioned into coaching, working with Windy City Premier, a suburban Chicago-based club volleyball program, while also serving as an assistant coach at Governors State University in University Park, Illinois.

At Windy City Premier, Smith coached athletes in the U14-U18 divisions and was heavily involved in player development, skill training, and administrative operations. He also managed the program’s social media and website presence to help increase visibility and engagement.

During his time at Governors State, an NAIA member institution competing in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, the Jaguars received votes in the NAIA national poll and finished as the conference runner-up in 2026. One of Smith’s student-athletes, Pablo Pascual, earned CCAC Freshman of the Year honors and was one of three all-conference selections for the program.

Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in sport and entertainment business from Concordia University Wisconsin.

Buckius and Smith will lead Spartanburg Methodist College into its inaugural men’s volleyball season, with the Pioneers set to take the court for the first time during the 2026-27 academic year.