Bellevue University assistant volleyball coach Matt Buttermore has been named head volleyball coach at Hastings (Neb.) College in an announcement made today by Hastings College Athletic Director Ian Roberts. He will begin his new position in January. 

Buttermore has been on Bruin head coach Trish Siedlik's staff the past three seasons, helping guide BU to three-straight appearances in the NAIA Volleyball National Championship, as well as two MCAC regular season and two MCAC tournament titles. 

"Matt will be missed," said Siedlik. "I knew from the day I asked him to join our staff, this day would soon come. Our program was fortunate to have such a talented and patient coach like Matt," added Siedlik.

A native of Lincoln, Neb., Buttermore replaces Lyndi Rouzee and Abbie Welliver who served as co-Head coaches last season, leading the Broncos to an18-16 overall record and a 9-7 mark in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. 

"I can't begin to describe how much I've enjoyed working with Trish, Steve (Field), and the Bruin student-athletes for the last three seasons," said Buttermore. "I've learned so much from all of them, and I hope I was able pull my weight in return. I would like to thank all of our past and current players for working hard and trusting me. I would also like to thank Ed Lehotak and everyone in the Bellevue University Athletic Department for all of their support, and most of all I would like to thank Trish for believing in me, letting me have a voice, and teaching me so much along the way. I have not doubt that I have gained more than I have given during my time as a Bruin," added Buttermore.

Buttermore tutored second team All-American middle blocker Maureen Wardian the past three seasons. Wardian, a four-time all-MCAC selection, was also named the 2011 MCAC Player of the Year. He also worked extensively with honorable mention All-American Kali Schnacker, a two-time first team all-conference rightside hitter. 

"Matt was an integral part of our success here and I know that he is going to do the same for Hastings," stated Siedlik.  "What I will miss most about him is that he made me better as a coach. With his patience he did the little things that eventually made big progressive moves. We wish him the best!" 

During the 2010 season, Buttermore was one of 30 volleyball coaches around the nation who were honored with the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Thirty Under 30 Award. The award was created in 2009 to honor up-and-coming coaching talent at all levels of the sport. To qualify for the award, nominees had to be younger than 30 years old in 2010.

"On one hand it's hard to believe I won't be back in Lozier this winter running workouts, and on the other hand I couldn't be more excited and humbled to be given an opportunity to coach at Hastings," said Buttermore. "Laura and I are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives."

Siedlik noted a search for Buttermore's replacement will begin immediately. 

Bellevue finished the 2011 season with a No. 25 final national ranking, winning the 2011 MCAC Tournament title after finishing second in the MCAC regular season. The Bruins advanced to the NAIA National Tournament for the fifth-straight season.