Get ready for an exciting chapter in North Dakota volleyball! The appointment of David Nguyen as the new head coach has sparked a wave of enthusiasm and anticipation.
Bill Chaves, the University of North Dakota's Director of Athletics, made the announcement on December 23, 2025, and it's safe to say the volleyball community is buzzing.
"David's track record speaks for itself," Chaves emphasized. "His achievements at Fairleigh Dickinson are nothing short of extraordinary, and we're confident he can replicate that success here at UND."
But here's where it gets controversial... Nguyen's appointment comes after a remarkable four-year stint at Division I Fairleigh Dickinson, where he led the Knights to unprecedented heights. They made their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, won the NEC Tournament Championship in 2022, and claimed the regular-season title in 2023.
"I'm thrilled and honored to be chosen as UND's next head coach," Nguyen said. "I'm grateful to Bill Chaves, Erik Martinson, and the search committee for their faith in me to guide the volleyball program towards future triumphs."
Nguyen's leadership extended beyond the court, as he helped the Knights achieve their first 20-win season in modern times and earned back-to-back NEC Coach of the Year honors in 2022 and 2023. Under his watch, FDU reached three consecutive NEC Tournament finals and four straight conference semifinals.
"My goal is to provide our student-athletes with a top-notch experience, both on and off the court," Nguyen explained. "Together, we'll create a legacy that our student-athletes, alumni, fans, and donors can cherish. I'm eager to take this next step in my career and build a strong volleyball family at North Dakota."
During his time at Fairleigh Dickinson, Nguyen's teams produced an NEC Player of the Year, an AVCA All-American, nine all-conference selections, and multiple all-tournament honorees. The Knights also enjoyed their most successful conference seasons in school history under his guidance.
With over a decade of Division I experience, including assistant coaching roles at Coastal Carolina and William & Mary, as well as operational roles at Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth, Nguyen brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.
"I'm excited to take on this new challenge and look forward to building a winning culture at North Dakota," Nguyen concluded.
So, what do you think? Is David Nguyen the right choice to lead North Dakota volleyball to new heights? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
