1/3/2026
After two decades of sustained excellence under one of Division III men’s volleyball’s most respected leaders, Nazareth University has entered a new chapter. In May 2025, the Golden Flyers officially transitioned leadership of their men’s volleyball program as Eben Meyer was named head coach following the retirement of longtime architect Cal Wickens.
The change marks both the end of a remarkable era and the beginning of one rooted in continuity, experience, and competitive ambition.
The Legacy of Cal Wickens
Few coaches in NCAA Division III men’s volleyball have left an imprint as lasting as Cal Wickens. Over more than 20 seasons at Nazareth, Wickens transformed the program from its inception into a nationally respected powerhouse.
Under his leadership, Nazareth captured the 2011 Molten Division III Men’s Invitational Championship, the program’s first national title, and made multiple deep postseason runs. Those included a national runner-up finish in 2013 and Final Four appearances in several seasons throughout the early and mid-2010s. Across his tenure, Wickens amassed more than 400 career victories on the men’s side alone, consistently placing Nazareth among the top programs in the country.
Beyond wins and banners, Wickens built a culture centered on player development and long-term success. His teams routinely produced All-Americans, conference award winners, and nationally recognized performers. In recent seasons, that tradition continued with players such as Owen Wickens and Seth Terzo earning AVCA All-America honors and Empire 8 Player of the Year recognition.
Wickens’ influence extended well beyond the Nazareth campus. He played a significant role in growing volleyball in the Rochester region, including youth development and club-level success that helped strengthen the local volleyball pipeline.
When Wickens stepped away following the 2025 season, he left behind not only an accomplished program, but one with clear identity, expectations, and national credibility.
Eben Meyer Steps Into the Role
Taking over the program is Eben Meyer, a coach whose path to the head position reflects both preparation and continuity. Meyer joined the Nazareth men’s volleyball staff as an assistant coach in the 2022–23 season, working closely within the program during some of its most recent nationally competitive years.
During Meyer’s time on staff, Nazareth produced AVCA All-Americans in three consecutive seasons. Seth Terzo earned second-team honors in 2023, while Owen Wickens was named a first-team All-American in both 2023 and 2024, followed by honorable mention recognition in 2025. Wickens was also named Empire 8 Player of the Year in 2023, 2024, and 2025, highlighting the program’s sustained individual excellence during that stretch.
Meyer’s volleyball background extends well beyond Nazareth. As a collegiate athlete, he played at Juniata College, where he was part of the Eagles’ 1998 national championship team. That experience provided him firsthand exposure to championship-level expectations and preparation.
After college, Meyer continued his volleyball career professionally, including time competing in Belgium. While overseas, he was also involved in running practices and clinics for second and third teams, further developing his coaching perspective. His teams captured the AA Men’s National Championship in 2000, adding another layer of competitive experience to his resume.
At the club level, Meyer spent two seasons coaching the Pace Bootlegger 17s and 18s, working closely with athletes during critical developmental stages and reinforcing his reputation as a detail-oriented teacher of the game.
What the Transition Means for Nazareth
Leadership changes of this magnitude often define the direction of a program for years to come. In this case, Nazareth enters the transition with unusual stability. Meyer inherits a program that is already nationally respected, structurally sound, and accustomed to competing against the best teams in Division III.
The immediate objectives remain clear. Nazareth will look to continue its presence as a contender within its conference and on the national stage, maintain its pipeline of high-level talent, and preserve the culture established over two decades of consistent success.
At the same time, Meyer brings his own experiences, global perspective, and developmental approach into the role. His familiarity with the program allows for continuity, while his playing and coaching background positions him to shape the next phase of Nazareth men’s volleyball with confidence.
As the Golden Flyers move forward, the program does so with a strong foundation, a respected new leader, and a legacy that continues to set the standard. The torch has been passed, and the next chapter is now underway.