As Coach Dan Friend enters his 22nd season leading the Lewis University men's volleyball program, his legacy speaks volumes about loyalty, resilience, and success. One of only two head coaches in the program's 31-year history, Friend has transformed the Flyers into a nationally recognized powerhouse.

With a career coaching record of 578-281 and a remarkable 414-207 record at Lewis, Friend ranks fourth among active NCAA Division I/II men's volleyball coaches in total wins. His tenure includes five NCAA Tournament appearances, four Final Four berths, and a national runner-up finish in 2015. Along the way, he has guided nearly 20 All-Americans and mentored dozens of student-athletes who have excelled both on and off the court.

But Friend's journey to volleyball greatness started in Topeka, Kansas, where the sport was almost unheard of. "There weren't any men's volleyball programs in Kansas," Friend recalls. "I played basketball and baseball as a kid, but volleyball found me. By the time I got to college, I knew I wanted to be in sports, so I got into athletic training. That eventually led me to coaching."

Friend began his full-time coaching career at Newman University, where he started the men's volleyball program and led the team to the NAIA National Championship in their third season. "I was incredibly grateful for that opportunity Sister Diane Leary (Newman) gave me," said Friend. "She broke barriers and allowed our program to grow the right way--and it did." His success at Newman caught the attention of Lewis University during a pivotal moment for their volleyball program.

Coach admitted hesitancy to leaving Newman amidst a run of success. "We had a lot of players coming back and felt tremendous support from university leadership there," said Friend. "It wasn't until my dad convinced me to apply. He was right, it all fell into place for me to coach the Flyers."

Coach Friend faced a monumental challenge when he transitioned from Newman University to Lewis. Lewis presented an entirely different situation. The program was reeling from severe NCAA sanctions that had left it depleted, with limited scholarships, restricted practice opportunities, and a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the team.

"My first week on the job, I was at the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis listening to sanctions coming down on the program," Friend recalled. "Not too many coaches start their tenure that way." The sanctions, stemming from infractions before his time, had left the program in disarray, with players frustrated and morale at an all-time low. "It was almost the death penalty," he said, reflecting on the uphill battle he faced.

At just 29 years old, Friend inherited a team that had been gutted by departures and skepticism. "I walked into a program with a lot of emotions and challenges. The players were dealing with the fallout from the sanctions, and I wasn't necessarily the coach with the pedigree they expected," he said. Despite the rocky start, Friend approached the situation with a clear blueprint for rebuilding.

"We basically started over from scratch," Friend explained. "I knew what we needed to do, and with the support of great alumni, donors, and athletic staff, we began the process of restoring Lewis volleyball to prominence." Slowly but surely, Friend rebuilt the program, recruiting top talent and instilling a culture of hard work and competiveness that remains a hallmark of Lewis volleyball today.

Under his guidance, the Flyers overcame those challenges, achieving consistent winning seasons and building a culture of excellence. "We're not a Penn State or Hawai'i, but with that comes unique opportunities," said Friend. "We've carved out a niche where Lewis volleyball is the premier program here, and we invest in our athletes to help them succeed."

Under Friend, the Flyers have only experienced one losing season and that came in his second year in 2006. "I wasn't concerned; we had talent and a supportive administration, and I knew we'd continue to grow."

Friend attributes much of the program's success to its community-centered approach. "Lewis is a family," he said. "Once recruits visit campus and experience and feel our culture, it sells itself. This isn't just about volleyball—it's about the values of Lewis Athletics as a whole."

His long-term vision for his program and the greater impact he wishes to make beyond volleyball sets Friend apart. As he takes on additional duties as an assistant athletic director, his aim is to help cultivate an environment where all athletes can thrive.

"We are always building," said Friend. "This doesn't just apply to volleyball. It's about the future of our athletics department. We want to be a program that continually evolves and grows in all aspects—whether it's new facilities, expanded recruitment efforts, or greater outreach to our alumni and donors. John (Ashaolu) has us in the right direction."

In addition to his work at Lewis, Friend's has served multiple roles within USA Volleyball, highlighted by a role as the USA Volleyball 2025 Beach Collegiate National Team Head Coach shows his drive to elevate the sport at all levels. He will be heading to Europe this summer to coach at the World University Games. Friend has also been active with numerous local and national administrative committees and the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

Friend's vision for the future includes an ongoing emphasis on recruiting elite athletes locally, regionally and worldwide. "We've had great success in our backyard and international recruiting, and it's important to continue exploring that space," he said. "We'll keep bringing in top talent—from the U.S. and abroad—while continuing to nurture our family atmosphere here at Lewis."

Off the court, Coach Friend finds the greatest support in his wife, Lorelee. As the head coach of Lewis' women's volleyball team, she has led the Flyers to incredible success, including four consecutive GLVC tournament titles. "She's uber-competitive and makes me better," Coach Friend said, reflecting on their unique dynamic. With offices next to each other, their shared passion for volleyball is woven into both their professional and personal lives. "We are all about Lewis; it works; I wouldn't have it any other way."

As for the future?

Coach Friend remains focused on growth and innovation. "The landscape of collegiate men's volleyball is always evolving," he said. "We're continually adapting—whether it's through international recruiting, navigating NIL opportunities, or strengthening our endowments. The plan is in place, and we're only going up from here."

With over two decades of success and a vision for the future, Dan Friend has cemented his place as a cornerstone of Lewis Athletics—a legacy that continues to grow.