Jacksonville Volleyball Welcomes Lucas Strickland as New Assistant Coach

Jacksonville, Florida, USA - In a fresh wave of excitement for the Jacksonville women’s volleyball program, Lucas Strickland has been appointed as a new graduate assistant for the upcoming 2025 season. Strickland, who previously made his mark as a student manager at the University of Pittsburgh, is eager to bring his wealth of experience to Jacksonville. He recently shared his enthusiasm for joining this dedicated program, which includes head coach Alicia Manguiat and associate head coach Peter Manguiat, both of whom have their roots at Pitt, as reported by JUDolphins.

Strickland’s journey at Pitt saw him witness a remarkable era in the university’s volleyball history, where the team reached the Final Four each season during his tenure. The Pittsburgh Panthers women’s volleyball team, competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference since 2013, has amassed an impressive record. Under the guidance of head coach Dan Fisher, they have not only participated in 23 national championship tournaments but have also secured 17 conference championships, a testament to their dominance on the court. With 142 victories since 2020, they boast the most wins of any college volleyball program in the nation, according to Wikipedia.

Strickland’s Background and Contribution

Before stepping into his new role at Jacksonville, Strickland honed his skills in various capacities, including coaching at Pitt’s volleyball camps last year. He was not just a behind-the-scenes player; he also led the men’s club volleyball team at Pitt as president, showcasing his leadership skills. His accolades don’t stop there—he earned high school All-State honors in Pennsylvania while playing as an outside hitter in 2021. Head coach Alicia Manguiat praised Strickland’s work ethic and dedication to the sport, believing he will be a valuable asset to the program.

The Panthers‘ volleyball program has a storied past. Established in 1974, it has been a force in collegiate volleyball, maintaining a winning record nearly every season. With a home base at the Fitzgerald Field House, which accommodates 4,122 fans, Pittsburgh has seen its volleyball team rise to remarkable heights, including a peak national ranking of #2 in 2019 and Final Four appearances in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The program’s blend of history and recent success is elaborated further by Essentially Sports.

Looking Ahead

This upcoming season promises to be nothing short of thrilling, bolstered by the efforts of players such as Olivia Babcock, Torrey Stafford, and Rachel Fairbanks, who have all earned individual recognition, including All-American honors. As the Panthers continue to build on their legacy, the support from fans and the broader community remains as vibrant as ever, highlighted by record season ticket sales for the 2024-25 season. With Strickland joining the program, there is plenty for Jacksonville volleyball fans to look forward to.

As Lucas Strickland embarks on this new chapter, his background from Pittsburgh not only adds depth to his personal coaching journey but strengthens Jacksonville’s aspirations for the future. In the world of collegiate volleyball, where teamwork and dedication are paramount, Strickland’s role may very well become a key factor in the success that lies ahead.