LA MIRADA, Calif. — Fall 2024 will mark the first time since 2001 that someone other than Aaron Seltzer will be in the lead chair at Biola Volleyball matches. Instead, current associate head coach Brian Failinger will take on the mantle as lead man. The transition comes following a remarkable run of 22 years of transformational leadership by Seltzer.

Seltzer recently announced to the team that he will step down from the head coaching role to transition to an assistant coach role, effective July 1. Dr. Bethany Miller is thrilled to announce that Failinger, who's been with the team as an assistant coach since 2020 will be elevated as the program's new head coach.

"Coach Brian Failinger has demonstrated his commitment to our vision to see all student-athletes empowered, transformed, and thriving in who God has made them to be," said Miller. "Brian has high volleyball acumen, a passion for whole-person development, and a strong leadership capacity. We are confident that Brian will continue the tradition of excellence in the program"

The coaching change marks a significant transition for the perennially successful Biola program, which soared to new heights under the leadership of Seltzer from the 2002 through 2023 seasons. Seltzer concludes his time as head coach as the program's all-time leader in wins, helping guide his teams to a 540-181 (.749) overall record through his tenure.

"I am extremely blessed and humbled to have spent 22 years coaching here at Biola," said Seltzer. "The Lord has blessed me in so many ways as I have grown in appreciation for the young women that I have had the pleasure of coaching."

He led the team to a NAIA national runner-up finish in 2013 and was named the NAIA national coach of the year. He helped build the Eagles into an NAIA national powerhouse, with six consecutive trips to the NAIA Elite 8 between 2010 and 2015. 

He guided the team through the NCAA Division II transition, winning a pair of National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) national titles in the process. He also helped his Eagles win the "SoCal Pod Championship" in the PacWest Conference's return to play after the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I am so thankful to the Lord for bringing me to Biola and for Dr. Holmquist taking a chance on a young guy with only one year of collegiate experience coaching. However, none of this could have been possible without my wife Jen and her incredible patience with the demands of this job."

Seltzer will continue to serve the program as an assistant coach for the foreseeable future to help support Failinger and bridge the program into this exciting new era.

"Coach Aaron has left a great legacy here, and he has impacted so many young women's lives for Christ in his time of leadership," said Failinger. "I've been blessed to learn not only from his volleyball mind but also his heart for the Lord and his athletes."

"Coach Seltzer has led our Biola volleyball program with vision and excellence for 22 seasons. His high level of success has been consistent but more importantly, he has invested in the lives of our student-athletes and their transformation into Christlikeness," said Miller. "Aaron cares deeply for student-athletes - his alumni and current student-athletes annually share with me how impactful his leadership has been, and how much they appreciate him as a coach."

The program is in steady, hands moving forward. Failinger is an experienced volleyball coach who has served at both Biola and Concordia University Irvine over the past handful of years. His volleyball network is wide and his level of impact has grown within this program during each of his years as an assistant and associate head coach.

"I'm beyond thankful for and thrilled at the opportunity to step into this position at Biola. I truly believe there isn't a school out there that's a better fit for me, as it prioritizes Christian development of athletes, while also seeking to be fiercely competitive and win," said Failinger. 

In 2021 Failinger was honored by the American Volleyball Coaches' Association with recognition on their 30 under 30 list for indoor and beach volleyball.

Before his time with Biola and CUI, Failinger cut his teeth as a technical director and coach at NCAA Division I Long Beach State. He also spent time as technical director, coach and intern with USA Volleyball.

"I am incredibly blessed to continue with Biola as an assistant coach having a front-row seat in watching Brian take this program to another level," said Seltzer. "It is clear that the Lord had brought Brian to this program for a purpose, and he has already impacted everyone in a big way."

In 2017, he had the opportunity to be a part of the USA Men's National Team coaching staff for the Pan-Am Cup. In 2019, he led Team Rockstar to a third-place finish at the USAV National Championships Open Division with a 14-1 record. In 2022 and 2023 he helped teams to top-4 finishes at the AVCA Small College Beach Volleyball championships.

His brain for volleyball and heart for serving the Lord is so evident, and his vision for the future of this program is sure to excite current players and fans, alumni alike. 

"My vision is to cultivate a family of Christ-centered, championship-level student-athletes, that would leave a legacy of excellence for those who come after them," said Failinger. "I believe athletic excellence and Christian character go hand in hand, and what a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the program to grow in both areas together."

Failinger played collegiately at Concordia Irvine from 2015-17. He also served as a manager and a practice player for the Indiana Women's Volleyball team from 2013-15. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in exercise science from both Indiana University and Concordia University Irvine.

The 2024 season marks Biola's seventh as a member of the PacWest Conference. Under Seltzer, the team achieved a 97-33 (.746) overall record in the new league. The Eagles have been 14-6 in back-to-back seasons, placing third overall in 2023. 

They will kick off the new era with non-conference tournament play beginning in September.

MORE FROM SELTZER:
I am extremely blessed and humbled to have spent 22 years coaching here at Biola. The Lord has blessed me in so many ways as I have grown in appreciation for the young women that I have had the pleasure of coaching. Truly it has been about the people that have enriched my life and brought so much success on and off the court. There is nothing better than having conversations with our alumni and watching them grow their own families. What an amazing group of talented and God-fearing ladies the Lord has brought to this program.  

Over the past few years, it has become clear to me that the demands of this position have grown to a level that I do not feel I can adequately and to the best of my ability continue to give.   It is time for me to take a step back and allow God to continue growing this program in a new exciting way. I am incredibly blessed to continue with Biola as an assistant coach having a front-row seat in watching Brian take this program to another level. It is clear that the Lord had brought Brian to this program for a purpose, and he has already impacted everyone in a big way. In the past four years, I have watched Brian grow in his impact on the lives of these student-athletes. His depth of coaching experience at all levels is impressive, but his heart for Jesus Christ is the most exciting.  

I am so thankful to the Lord for bringing me to Biola and for Dr. Holmquist taking a chance on a young guy with only one year of collegiate experience coaching. However, none of this could have been possible without my wife Jen and her incredible patience with the demands of this job. What started as a 2-year commitment went well beyond anything we could have imagined at the time. Without her support, amazing heart and countless hours of prayer, none of this would have been possible. I am also thankful for my two boys, who have grown up around Biola, spending hours in the gym both shagging and hiding balls! This fall I will be able to watch my son Elijah start his freshman year here at Biola, what a blessed dad I will be.  

Finally, I want to thank all of our alumni for touching my life in so many ways, to the Finnerty family for recommending me for this job, and to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the author and finisher of our faith, to Him be all the honor, glory and praise!