FORT MYERS, Fla.- The Florida SouthWestern State Buccaneers have found their next Head Volleyball Coach as veteran coach and former NJCAA National Champion Cesar Benatti has been named the Bucs second Head Coach in program history as announced by Director of Athletics George Sanders on Wednesday.

Benatti is currently an Assistant Beach Volleyball Coach and the Recruiting Coordinator at Loyola Marymount University where he has helped the Lions to their highest ranking in program history at #2 in the latest AVCA National Poll. Prior to his time with the Lions, he spent nine seasons at Cal State Bakersfield as both an Assistant Coach for the indoor program and the Head Coach for the Roadrunners beach program. Before his move to the NCAA Division I level, Benatti spent time at the NJCAA level where he helped Western Nebraska capture the 2010 NJCAA National Championship.

"I am extremely excited to have been chosen to be the next FSW Head Volleyball Coach" Benatti said. "I want to thank Athletic Director George Sanders and the committee for giving me this golden opportunity. It's a big honor and responsibility to continue to develop such a strong program that has been on the top for the last three years. FSW volleyball is already established as one of the best Volleyball programs in the nation, developing great athletes and providing them with a great student-athlete experience. My plan is to continue to contribute to the huge success started by my good friend Thais Baziquetto-Allen. I look forward to working with the talented athletes, dedicated staff and the passionate Bucs community as we strive toward continued success."

FSW is coming off a three year stretch unmatched by any team in NJCAA Division I Volleyball history, having gone 84-3 with three straight NJCAA National Championships. During their 2024 Championship run last season the Bucs went 26-1 overall and a perfect 8-0 during the postseason including a 3-0 sweep over rival Miami Dade in the Championship match. The Bucs won 80 of 87 sets played on the year including 39 straight from mid-September into the National Tournament. 

"Unfortunately we were in the situation of having to replace Thais upon her move to the Division I level this offseason, but we couldn't be more excited about Cesar stepping in to fill that role for us going forward" FSW Director of Athletics George Sanders said. "His experience, his success, and his core values of taking care of his players and promoting a positive culture all stood out to us throughout the process and we think he is the perfect fit to continue the success of our program into the future."

A Sao Paulo, Brazil native, Benatti played professional Volleyball in Brazil until 2000.  He then coached at a number of different clubs and schools in Brazil before making the trek to the United States to begin his coaching career here.  Along with his collegiate stops stateside, he has also been a part of the USA Volleyball Development Program.

Benatti will finish his beach season with the Lions and begin his role with the Bucs in early May.