BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Brandon Mueller has been chosen to lead the Illinois Wesleyan University men's volleyball team, IWU Athletic Director Mike Wagner announced Thursday, Oct. 3. Mueller, who brings more than 15 years of volleyball experience with him, will be the first coach in the history of the program.

"I am thrilled to announce the addition of Brandon and his family to the Illinois Wesleyan community," Wagner exclaimed. "He brings an incredible amount of experience both as a player and coach, having led one of the top NCAA Division III men's volleyball programs in the country to back-to-back national championships before competing internationally. Brandon's coaching philosophy and focus on developing the student-athlete on the court, in the classroom, and in the community makes him an outstanding fit for the Titan athletics family."

"I am thrilled to be a Titan," Mueller added. "This is a dream job and something I have always wanted to do. I look forward to helping these young men become better people on and off the court as we build the program."

Mueller has made coaching stops throughout the club and high school coaching ranks, including stints with Illini Elite, Club Fusion, Club SOVA, Bartlett High School, and Deer Creek-Mackinaw High School. At DCM, he compiled a 189-44-2 record, led the Braves to the state championships in 2014 and 2017, and was honored as the 2014 Illinois High School Girl's Volleyball Coach of the Year. Under Mueller's tutelage, the Braves also finished third in the state in 2013 and second in 2015. During his time at Bartlett, he owned a 73-47 as the Varsity Girl's Volleyball coach from 2008 to 2011.

Mueller is regarded as one of the best men's volleyball players in NCAA Division III history. A member of the Springfield College 2018 Hall of Fame class, he led the Pride to Division III National Championships in 2002 and 2003. A two-time Molten Invitational Division III National Championship Most Valuable Player honoree, Mueller holds the Springfield career records for kills (1,604), points (1,835.5), and aces (109). Mueller was a two-time AVCA First Team All-American and three-time Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association All-Conference pick. As a senior he led the EIVA in points and kills per set.

Following a storied career at Springfield, Mueller competed professionally for Team Bocholt in Germany in 2006.

Mueller, who resides in Normal, Ill. with his wife, earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Springfield College in 2005. 

Mueller and the Titans will officially hit the court in January of 2021 as a member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.