BUFFALO, N.Y. - D'Youville University Athletics has been selected to receive the NCAA Coaching Enhancement Grant beginning in the 2023-24 academic year. The grant will be used to fund a new, full-time assistant coaching position for the D'Youville Volleyball program during a five-year commitment.  

 "We are honored to be awarded this NCAA grant focused on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation within NCAA athletics." Said Rebecca Capinera, Associate Athletic Director of Internal Affairs at D'Youville University. "The grant aligns with our mission and values at D'Youville and compliment the D'Youville Athletics DEI Action Plan to enhance diversity efforts."

Brendan Leong, the recipient of the grant, has a year of experience as the D'Youville University Men's Volleyball Assistant Coach under his belt already after the finish of the 2024 season. Before D'Youville, Leong spent a year as the Junior Varsity Head Coach at Canisius High School in Buffalo, New York. Brendan was a Libero/Defensive Specialist on the Lockport Volleyball Club before beginning his collegiate career at Elmira College in 2019. He went on to become President of the Canisius Men's Volleyball Club from 2023 to 2024. Leong has continued to work with the Lockport Volleyball Club as the 15 and Under Head Coach in November of 2022 and as an assistant to the 16U Club team this past year.

Head Women's and Men's Volleyball Coach at D'Youville University, Jaime Snyder states, "We are excited to have Brendan in this role. His dedication and passion that he already has for this team will only add to his success. He has a strong knowledge and work ethic that will help aid the future success of this team and we can't wait to get to work. His ability to connect with players and his previous experience positions him as an invaluable mentor to our student-athletes and will help them face challenges on and off the court."

Brendan Leong will begin his work as the full-time Men's Volleyball Assistant Coach in the Fall of the 2024-25 academic year at D'Youville University.