Lucas Strickland joins the program as a graduate assistant from Pitt, where he served as a student manager throughout his college career.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my experience from Pitt to the Jacksonville program, and joining a staff who are so dedicated to the game of volleyball and upholding the highest standards within our team,” Strickland said.
Strickland continues a pipeline from Pitt. Head coach Alicia Manguiat served as an assistant for the Panthers before taking the reins at JU, while associate head coach Peter Manguiat started his coaching career at Pitt.
“I’m excited to be bringing Lucas onto our staff. We worked together at Pitt and I got to see his work ethic and dedication to the sport,” coach Manguiat said. “His talent and experience will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow this program. We’re excited for the young and excited energy he brings!.”
While Strickland was at Pitt, the Panthers made it to the Final Four every season. Since 2020, Pitt has won more games than any other program in the country with 142 victories. In addition to his managerial duties, Strickland earned his coaching stripes at Pitt camps last year.
Strickland also served as the president of the men’s club volleyball team while at Pitt. He was an accomplished player himself, earning All-State honors in Pennsylvania as an outside hitter in 2021.
