Lynchburg, Va. -- University of Lynchburg Athletic Director Jon Waters announced Friday that Thomas Chandler, current assistant coach for Lynchburg's men's indoor, women's indoor, and beach volleyball teams will take on the role of Interim Head Coach for the men's volleyball program.

"Thomas has been a great addition to our volleyball staff over the past year and a half and has shown great versatility in working with each of the three programs (women's indoor, Beach and men's indoor)," said Athletic Director Jon Waters. "He will provide great stability as our team prepares for their season and will assure that we are on a solid foundation for our next coach"

"I'm thrilled to step into the role of leading the University of Lynchburg Men's Volleyball program," said Thomas Chandler. "I'm excited to get in the gym and work toward competing at the highest level within the Old Dominion Athletic Conference!"

Chandler is in his second year with the Lynchburg athletic department, arriving in the Hill City in the fall of 2024 to assist across all three Hornet volleyball programs. In his first season, he served as an assistant for the men's volleyball program's inaugural campaign, which produced nine victories. That debut season also saw right side hitter Nick Redding earn the ODAC Rookie of the Year award, while Bryce Jackson secured a spot on the All-ODAC Third Team.

This fall, Chandler has played a key role in helping the women's indoor volleyball team to its best start in program history. The Hornets are off to a 13-1 overall record and receiving votes in the AVCA national coaches poll. Additionally, he contributed to the women's indoor volleyball team achieving 19 wins in 2024, the most for the program since 2016. 

A significant piece of the beach volleyball program's success last season, Chandler helped the team claim a 15-13 overall record and a victory against LaGrange in the NCAA DIII National Championships. The Hornets finished the season 6th overall at the national championships in Gulf Shores, Ala.

Prior to his arrival at Lynchburg, Chandler graduated from the University of South Alabama, where he served as a student manager for the Jaguars' indoor volleyball program throughout his four years. Furthermore, he coached at the club level as the head man for Southern Alabama Volleyball Academy (SAVA).

A national search will continue for a permanent head coach for Lynchburg men's volleyball.

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