Women's Volleyball | August 24

DeKALB, Ill.—Northern Illinois University Volleyball Head Coach Sondra D'Amore has announced the addition of Lucas Yanez as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Huskies.
 
Yanez comes to the Huskies after serving as an assistant coach at UIC for the last five seasons. He brings extensive NCAA Division I coaching experience across the Missouri Valley, ACC, Sun Belt, and Big 12 Conferences. At the University of Miami, he contributed to a program that led the ACC in aces per set in back-to-back seasons. During his time at Coastal Carolina and Kansas, Yanez helped lead teams to a Sun Belt Championship and the NCAA Second Round at Coastal Carolina, as well as the NCAA Semifinals and a top-four national ranking at Kansas in 2015.
 
Yanez previously coached in the Horizon League, where UIC was a member through the 2021–22 season.
 
"We're really excited to welcome Lucas and his family to NIU," noted D'Amore. "Lucas brings a tremendous amount of Division I experience, a high-level playing background and a strong volleyball mind to our program. His experience on the recruiting side, along with his ability to lead our defense, will make an immediate impact on our staff and our student-athletes. Throughout this process, we wanted to make sure we found the right person for our program and culture, and we know Lucas is that person. We're excited about what he adds to our staff and the continued growth of Huskie Volleyball."
 
A libero for the Lewis University Flyers, Yanez collected AVCA Second Team All-American, Volleyball Magazine Second Team All-American, First Team All-MIVA (2015), NCAA Men's National Runner-Up (2015), and two-time MIVA Player of the Week honors. Yanez graduated with a degree in Sports Management from Lewis.
 
"I'm deeply grateful to Sondra, Ross, and Morgan for trusting in me and my family to give us the opportunity to contribute to such a talented program," said Yanez. "I have so much confidence in where this program is headed with Sondra leading the way. Her vision, leadership, and commitment to the program make me proud and humbled to be a part of what she's building."
 
Yanez resides in Geneva with his wife Samantha and daughters, Lilliana and Gemma.
 
The Huskies open the 2026 season at the Southern Indiana Invitational with first serve set for 10 a.m. CT against Eastern Michigan. NIU will open the home portion of their schedule with the NIU Invitational, September 4 and 5 in the NIU Convocation Center.
 
New and returning fans can purchase general admission, family 4-pack, or courtside seats to watch the Huskies this fall with general admission tickets starting at just $35. The Family 4-Pack is available for $90 ($22.50 each). Courtside seats are priced at $120 for the season. To purchase tickets online, please click here.
 
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