The Eastern volleyball team has a new head coach this season.

Her name: Kate Price.

Her background: Price was an assistant on last year’s staff. She played on a national championship-winning team at Penn State a few years ago.

Though young, Price is ambitious and has high hopes for this season’s squad. She has been busy in her first season, with the Panthers starting the season at the Harvard Invitational, in Cambridge, Mass.

The Panthers played four games, finishing 3-1. In Cambridge, Price hit a milestone. She experienced her first on-court experience as a head coach. She said it wasn’t so much of a new, awe-inspiring experience after having been an assistant coach last year.

“I think things were more business as usual as you would say,” Price said. “I try to think nothing has changed with my coaching, I still have the same expectations. I guess, as a head coach, I make the call on when to ask for a timeout and I put in the lineup, those are the big differences.”

Price said that there is a better balance on the bench this year, with her being more energetic and emotional.

Assistant coach Ryan Sweitzer is more mellow and laid-back, according to Price.

Price said the differences will help the ladies know what their coaches’ expectations are.

Price doesn’t have much time to dwell on her rapid transition from player, to assistant, to head coach.

Instead, the team is preparing for the Michigan State Spartan Invitational this weekend.

This weekend’s trip is to East Lansing, Mich., but the team will travel to Pittsburgh, Penn. Sept. 17.

Also they play rival Western Illinois before opening conference play on Sept. 24 against Morehead State.

Bradley Kupiec can be reached at 581-7944 or

[email protected]