Coach Banis begins his first season at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Prior to MNU, he was an assistant coach at Bishop Kelley High School, Lewis University (IL), College of St. Mary (NE), and Newman University (KS). In two years with Bishop Kelly HS, the varsity won two State Championships while going 130-0-2.

At Newman University as interim-Head Coach, Banis led the team to a 31-11 season, making it to the regional tournament. While assistant coach at College of St. Mary, he helped the team to a top-ten ranking. And prior to coming to MNU coach Banis was the assistant Men's Volleyball Coach for a Lewis University team which ended their season ranked 14th in the nation for NCAA D1.

As a player/coach Banis was an outside hitter for Newman University and in 2004 led the team to the Men's NAIA National Championship match. From 93-98, coach Banis served in the US Air Force as a Senior Airman at McClellan AFB (CA) and Misawa AFB (Japan).

Coach Banis lives in Overland Park, KS.

E-mail: rabanis@mnu.edu

Cyndi begins her first season with the Pioneers as the graduate assistant coach. She is a recent graduate of Olivet Nazarene University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in sports management, and is currently pursuing her master's degree in business administration through MidAmerica Nazarene University.

During her collegiate volleyball career, Cyndi was a three-year starter leading the team defensively as well as being available in the frontcourt. Taking on the starting libero position her sophomore season Cyndi anchored the team in the backcourt breaking the ONU record for digs in a single season, which stands at 774. She helped lead the team to two CCAC regular season championships ('05-'06), three CCAC tournament championships ('05-'07), two NAIA region VII Championships ('06-'07), and two NAIA National Tournament appearances ('06-'07).

Cyndi is currently living in Overland Park and working as the intern with the Upwards program at College Church of the Nazarene.

E-mail: ccrucker@mnu.edu

Mindy Essex (Urie) is in her second year as an assistant coach at MNU. She graduated from MNU in 2003 with a degree in Elementary Education.

Her volleyball career began at Longview Community College in Lee's Summit Mo. She played the '97 and '99 seasons where she was a starter and all around player both years and received several All-Tournament awards.

Mindy played the ‘00 and ‘01 seasons as the starting outside hitter for Mid America Nazarene University. In 2000 and 2001, she was named first team All-Region along with NCCAA All-American in ‘01.

She was an assistant coach at University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) in the 2002 season.

Mindy is married to MNU football alumni Matt Essex. They have been married five years and have two daughters: Lakin (3) and Piper (1).