In a bold move that signals renewed hope for University of North Dakota volleyball, new head coach David Nguyen is set to rebuild the program by leveraging the region's rich volleyball talent pool.

Nguyen, who previously led Fairleigh Dickinson to NCAA tournament success and back-to-back Northeast Conference championships, brings a strategic vision focused on community and regional recruiting.

The coach's approach centers on tapping into the Midwest's volleyball hotbed, with particular emphasis on Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. "We will be strategic with our recruiting process, starting with regional players within our area," Nguyen explained during his first public press conference at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

His track record speaks volumes: At Fairleigh Dickinson, Nguyen transformed a struggling program, turning consecutive losing seasons into conference dominance. The team's NEC performance improved from dismal 1-13 records to impressive 12-4 seasons, earning him Coach of the Year honors twice in four years.

Beyond athletics, Nguyen emphasized the importance of community and family in his decision to join UND. "The research I've done about Grand Forks and the Midwest shows that community is the first thing that comes up," he said. "That's really important for me."

The new coach brings an innovative "position-less volleyball" philosophy, seeking adaptable athletes who can play multiple positions. His goal is clear: restore UND volleyball to its former mid-major prominence after eight consecutive losing seasons.

With strong support from UND's leadership, including Athletic Director Bill Chaves and President Andrew Armacost, Nguyen remains optimistic. "We need to get this program back to where it used to be," he stated. "The support and everything the university has given us is right there for the taking."