Debbie Buchanan retires as head coach of Vandal volleyball

Buchanan wraps up her impressive career after 22 years at Idaho

Coach Debbie Buchanan embraces senior libero Alaina Lacey on Nov. 13 during Senior Night in Memorial Gym. Joclynn Howell | Argonaut
Coach Debbie Buchanan embraces senior libero Alaina Lacey on Nov. 13 during Senior Night in Memorial Gym. Joclynn Howell | Argonaut

Head coach of Vandal women’s volleyball Debbie Buchanan is retiring, according to a press release from Vandal Athletics. 

“I am retiring from coaching after 27 years to be closer to my family and to be able to go and watch my boys compete,” Buchanan stated in the release. “I have loved my time here at the University of Idaho and appreciate all the support and friendships I have made along the way.” 

As volleyball wrapped up their season on Saturday, Buchanan wraps up her impressive career. Buchanan has been at Idaho for 22 years. She has been the program’s all-time winningest head coach, through 320 wins, 16 conference appearances and two NCAA tournament appearances. 

Players coached by Buchanan have earned one All-American honor, two AVCA All-Region selections, 49 All-Conference honors and 12 All-Freshman team selections. In 15 of her 22 seasons, Buchanan has coached a player to a first team All-Conference selection. 

The search for a new volleyball head coach will be led by UI Athletic Director Terry Gawlik.  

Cody Roberts can be reached at [email protected] 

About the Author

Cody Roberts Second year student studying journalism and Spanish.

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