UA Fort Smith Athletics

Tyler Kanelos begins his third season as assistant coach.

Kanelos, a native of Harrisburg, Penn., was previously a volunteer assistant coach at NCAA Division II West Florida this past season and prior to that was an assistant coach at NCAA Division II Lock Haven for

Prior to joining the UAFS staff, Kanelos' worked with opponent scouting and the West Florida blocking scheme helped propel the Argonauts to a 28-7 record and a 10th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, while leading the Gulf South in several team defensive categories.

The Argonauts led the GSC in blocks per set and opponent hitting percentage.  West Florida finished the season ranked 36th in the nation in blocks per set and 23rd in opponent hitting percentage. 

West Florida out-blocked opponents in 25 of 35 matches and held teams below their season average hitting percentage in 32 of 35 matches on the year.  Individually, 2015 saw four players tally over .70 blocks per set. 

At Lock Haven, Kanelos was the head of opponent scouting and helped lead the Bald Eagles to Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East Division Championships in two of his three seasons. 

Overall, Lock Haven compiled a 67-36 record during his time with the program, reaching the 20-win mark in each of Kanelos' three seasons. With his assistance, Lock Haven reached the NCAA tournament in 2012, a season in which he coached four AVCA All-Atlantic Region athletes and five All PSAC athletes, including both the PSAC Athlete of the Year and PSAC Defensive Athlete of the Year. 

Kanelos played an integral role in the training of Gao Xuan, a four-time AVCA All-American and All-Atlantic Region athlete and the only volleyball player in the history of the PSAC to win the conference's Player of the Year award in four consecutive seasons.