In August 2024, Darek Przybyl was appointed to the position of Head Men’s Volleyball Coach following a six-year stint as the program's top assistant. Przybyl is the second head coach in the history of the program, taking over for Don Gleason who left to accept the head coaching position at Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Przybyl brings 17 years of collegiate coaching experience to the position, including his tenure as Gleason's assistant - a period in which he helped the Wildcats achieve an 81-43 record. His presence assisted in steering the program through its inaugural seasons, followed by the challenges of competing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, Przybyl helped the Wildcats navigate their first two seasons as a member of the Northeast Conference, including a run to the league championship this past spring. He has played a key role in coaching players responsible for eight all-conference selections, including the 2023 NEC Player of the Year, Zach Schneider, as well as eight Academic All-District honorees.
“We are excited to be turning the reins of our men’s volleyball program over to Coach Przybyl,” said Daemen Vice President of Athletics Traci Murphy at the time of his hiring. “As we progressed through the search for our next head coach, Darek’s passion, not just for coaching volleyball, but for coaching Daemen Volleyball, really came to the forefront. He is uniquely qualified to lead this program, with a great understanding of our university, the culture within the Division of Athletics and what it takes to be successful in the Northeast Conference.”
A 2008 graduate of Medaille College, Przybyl got his start into coaching with a 10-year stint as an assistant at his alma mater where he also competed during his four undergraduate years. As an assistant with the Mavericks, Przybyl helped the program to five regular season conference championships and two conference tournament titles, and aided in the development of three NCAA Division III All-Americans.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead the Daemen men’s volleyball program, and I want to thank Traci Murphy and the entire Daemen University administration for the trust they have shown in me,” Przybyl said. “I would also like to thank Don Gleason who brought me on board here shortly after starting the program. I have come to understand Daemen as an incredible place for student-athletes to compete at a high level while receiving the kind of education that will set them up for personal and professional success. Leading this program is a responsibility that I do not take lightly and I’m excited to continue the upward trajectory that we’ve experienced.”
Przybyl inherits a program that is set to return 14 players, including four starters, from its 2024 NEC championship roster. Among the returners are sophomore middle blocker Ondrej Arabasz (Jicin, Czech Republic), the 2024 NEC Rookie of the Year, and the aforementioned Schneider, a 6-foot-6 outside hitter who is the program’s all-time leader in kills with 1,174.
Przybyl resides in Tonawanda with his wife, the former Lindsey Nowak, who was a four-year member of the Daemen women’s volleyball program, helping the Wildcats win United States Collegiate Athletic Association national championships in 2012 and 2013.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT DAREK PRZYBYL…
“Darek has always been passionate about the game and developing his student-athletes. I know that from first-hand experience, having played at Medaille during his tenure there as an assistant coach. He has checked up on me consistently since my graduation and has been extremely supportive of my own coaching journey and the successes we’ve had here at Hilbert College. Darek is patient and deliberate, and I can’t wait to see how the Daemen program flourishes under his leadership.”
- Calvin Crosby, Head Men’s & Women’s Volleyball Coach, Hilbert College
“I am excited to see the next chapter of Daemen men’s volleyball with Darek at the helm. From day one, he helped foster a culture where guys worked hard and treated each other with respect. I have no doubt that he will have the program competing for more conference championships in the future.”
- Don Gleason, Head Men’s Volleyball Coach, Purdue University Fort Wayne
“Darek Przybyl has been a staple in the Western New York volleyball community, from his days as a local high school player, to his playing career at Medaille College, and into the coaching ranks at both Medaille and Daemen. Through that time, there’s not many people who have stayed as locked into the local volleyball scene as Coach Przybyl. I can confidently say that I would happily send any one of my Niagara Frontier athletes into the Daemen program knowing that Darek Przybyl is at the helm. He is a trusted coach in the community, and a trusted friend. I can’t wait to see what he will accomplish in the future.”
- Dan Johnson, Owner/Director, Niagara Frontier Volleyball Club
“Darek has made an insurmountable contribution to Western New York men’s volleyball throughout his career. He has been successfully recruiting to Buffalo, the place he grew up and loves, for over 15 years. He has evaluated, competed and succeeded at all levels of the game. Above all else, he prioritizes positive relationships and leads by example. Darek will be invaluable in continuing the success he helped build for the Wildcats in the years to come.”
- Dan Miranda, Head Men’s Volleyball Coach, Buffalo State University
