BUENA VISTA, Va. - Still fresh off helping secure Southern Virginia University's first-ever NCAA Division lll championship a year ago, Gabe Wagner, Associate Head Coach for men's volleyball, is headed to Division l waters where he's been hired as Assistant Coach for the University of Pacific men's volleyball team.

Wagner led a successful career as a player and coach in Buena Vista. After three years on the floor, he shifted to the bench where he's assisted Head Coach Tom Peterson for the last four seasons.

While taking key responsibilities in recruiting and film sessions, Wagner played a vital role in helping the Knights return to the Final Four in 2025, ultimately securing an elusive national title for the first NCAA crown in school history. The team went a remarkable 111-12 in four seasons with him on the bench.

Gabe also played a vital role in growing the game of volleyball in the local community. He was Head Coach of the Rockbridge County High School girls volleyball team for two years, earning District Coach of the Year honors once.

It'll be Pacific's first year in competition since the program was discontinued after the 2014 season. They'll compete in one of the NCAA's marquee leagues for men's volleyball, the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation with the likes of perennial national title contenders BYU, UCLA, and UC Irvine.

He'll assist former BYU assistant, Devin Young, who helped the Cougars win a national title during his eight years on the staff. 

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightmvolleyball on instagram.