Bio

Rick Banis joined the Spartanburg Methodist College volleyball program as assistant coach in 2025, bringing more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience to the Pioneers. Throughout his career, Banis has coached at multiple NCAA and NAIA institutions, helping programs achieve success on the court while developing student-athletes who excel academically and personally. His coaching stops have included leadership and assistant coaching roles at MidAmerica Nazarene, Lewis University, College of Saint Mary, Newman University and Bishop Kelley High School, where he was part of two Oklahoma state championship teams. Banis also served in the United States Air Force before beginning his collegiate coaching career. 

During the 2025-26 academic year, Banis helped guide Spartanburg Methodist through its inaugural season in the Appalachian Athletic Conference, navigating one of the NAIA's most competitive volleyball conferences while facing a demanding nonconference schedule. The Pioneers produced a balanced offensive attack with six players recording more than 100 kills and finished the season with a .167 team hitting percentage.

Under Banis' guidance, several student-athletes reached significant career milestones. Hana Vucinic surpassed 1,000 career digs, Aurora Aho eclipsed 1,000 career kills, and setters Tristan Craine and Brook Noe each recorded their 1,000th career assist. Sophomore Braelynn Brewington earned Second Team All-Appalachian Athletic Conference recognition, while senior Leilani Campbell represented the program as its Champions of Character honoree.

The program also continued to distinguish itself in the classroom. Spartanburg Methodist posted a 3.564 team GPA during the Spring 2026 semester while earning four CSC Academic All-District selections, 15 Academic All-AAC honorees, and 14 NAIA Scholar-Athletes, reflecting the coaching staff's commitment to excellence beyond competition.

Banis also played a key role in the continued growth of the SMC beach volleyball program. During the 2026 season, the Pioneers competed against one of the nation's toughest schedules, facing three teams ranked among the top 13 in the final NAIA postseason ratings. The season was highlighted by a 5-0 Senior Day victory over Brenau. Four student-athletes earned Academic All-Sun Conference recognition, four were named NAIA Scholar-Athletes, and sophomore Rebekah Martin was selected as the program's Sun Conference Champions of Character recipient.