bueno@flightacademyvb.com

James Bueno, widely known as “Bueno,” is the Co-Founder and Director of Flight Academy Volleyball, a premier club program based on California’s Central Coast. With over twenty-four years of coaching experience, Bueno is recognized for his high-energy leadership, athlete-first mindset, and his proven ability to build competitive, culture-driven programs from the ground up.

Born and raised in Dinuba, California, Bueno graduated in 1995 as a standout high school football player. At the time, he seemed destined to play at the collegiate level, but when that dream didn’t come together, it left him with a drive, resilience, and competitive edge that would later define his coaching career. He began his journey on the sidelines coaching high school football, and after moving to the Central Coast in 2008, he discovered a new passion in volleyball. His wide-ranging coaching background—including football, track, wrestling, martial arts, baseball, softball, and both beach and indoor volleyball—has given him a uniquely well-rounded and disciplined approach to athlete development.

Bueno quickly established himself in the volleyball world. In 2018, he co-founded Central Coast Beach Volleyball. A year later, in 2019, he helped lead a 17U team to qualify for the Girls Junior National Championship in Indianapolis after earning a podium finish at the Far Westerns National Qualifier—one of the first Central Coast teams to reach that level. In 2020, alongside long-time coaching partner Chip Blaney, Bueno co-founded Flight Academy Volleyball Club. What started with just seven teams has since grown into one of the largest and most competitive programs on the Central Coast, now serving more than twenty-five boys’ and girls’ teams. Flight Academy has become known for elite-level training, a strong commitment to player development, and a mission to create opportunities for athletes at every level.

Outside of club volleyball, Bueno also serves as the Head Coach of the Cal Poly Women’s Club Volleyball Team, where he has guided the program to national prominence. In 2023, Cal Poly won the Silver Bracket at the MLK Tournament, claimed the Gold Bracket Championship at Far Westerns, and qualified for the NCVF Division I National Championship. In 2024, the program captured two major tournament titles and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCVF Division I Gold Bracket. In 2025, they added two more tournament championships to their resume and went on to win the NCVF Division I Silver Bracket National Championship.

Bueno’s impact extends far beyond wins and trophies. He has dedicated himself to growing volleyball throughout the Central Coast by organizing free and low-cost clinics, supporting school programs and recreation departments, and mentoring athletes as they pursue opportunities to play at the next level. He is respected as much for his ability to build teams and programs as he is for his commitment to developing confidence, character, and skill in the young athletes he coaches.

In addition to his work in athletics, Bueno is also the Director of Marketing for Team Sweasey / The Hal Sweasey Group, a top-producing Keller Williams real estate team in San Luis Obispo County. He entered the real estate industry in 2020 after a career in teaching and has since brought creativity, leadership, and storytelling into his marketing work. He is also the creator and host of the SLO County Real Estate Podcast, which has grown to over 100,000 subscribers and is ranked among the Top 100 Business Podcasts in the United States. His innovative strategies and ability to connect with the community help keep Team Sweasey at the forefront of the local real estate market.

Whether in real estate, coaching, or community work, James “Bueno” Bueno has built a reputation as a mentor, builder, and leader. He is also the co-host of the Flight HQ Podcast with Chip Blaney, where he shares his insights and experiences in sports, coaching, and leadership. His mission remains simple but powerful: to help young athletes grow in confidence, character, and skill while developing a lifelong passion for the game.