BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech head volleyball coach Jill Wilson announced the addition of Lauren Reichard to the coaching staff on Tuesday as a volunteer assistant coach.
"I'm very thankful for this amazing opportunity that Coach Wilson and the rest of the staff are giving me," Reichard said. "I look forward to learning all of the different aspects of coaching by being a part of Virginia Tech and the ACC."
Reichard is a Georgia Southern graduate, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration this past May. She was a four-year letterwinner on the volleyball team, playing middle blocker.
Showcasing her leadership skills in a variety of ways, Reichard was a co-captain her final two years with the Eagles and assisted with the new hire of Eagles' head coach Chad Willis, participating in interviews and being on the search committee.
The Wrightsville, Pennsylvania native was very successful on the court, making the Sun Belt's all-conference team twice and becoming the Eagles' all-time leader in career blocks. GSU's 2018 Female Athlete of the Year, Reichard got it done in the classroom, too, being selected to the Sun Belt's Academic Honor Roll.
Reichard was a volunteer coach for the Yorktowne/Ballyhoo Volleyball Club back in Pennsylvania in her spare time as well. Working primarily with the middles, Reichard helped develop practice plans and assisted with drills. She also worked volleyball camps in the summer in Statesboro, interacting with kids and showing them instructional drills.
"We are excited to add Lauren to our coaching staff as our volunteer coach," Wilson said." She is a driven former student-athlete that made a huge impact as a player, but also as a strong leader that was recognized by the entire athletic department. Lauren will empower our student-athletes and at the same time will gain vital experience in the college coaching profession."
Tech will enter the 2019 season with four returning starters and its libero back, while welcoming four freshmen. Another tough schedule awaits the Hokies, playing five 2018 NCAA Tournament teams and 11 programs that finished in the top 80 of the RPI. First serve this fall will come on Aug. 23 at Cassell Coliseum at Carilion Clinic Court against JMU at 6 p.m. ET in an exhibition.
