By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews

AKRON – Tippecanoe Valley volleyball has been trending upwards for much of the last decade. That ascent should continue with the hiring of Doug West to take over the program.

Doug West

West has been in and around the game for much of the last four decades. Most recently the head coach at Goshen High School, West brings 20 years of high school coaching experience that includes successful stops at Plymouth, Whitko and Warsaw high schools. In between his Plymouth and Goshen tours, West was an assistant coach at Grace College.

West has also coached at the University of Nebraska as an assistant and was the head coach at Indiana University in the mid 1980s. He also has coached club volleyball off and on since 1978.

West will replace Mallory Eaton, who guided the Vikings for seven seasons as well as developing the V2 travel and feeder program. Eaton helped the high school program to over 125 wins in her tenure and guided all-time players such as Caylie Teel, Sophie Bussard, Makenzie Woodcox and Shayleigh Shriver, all who have set program records at Valley.

“Doug’s passion for the game of volleyball, as well as his positive attitude, and coaching experience will be an asset to our volleyball program,” said Tippecanoe Valley athletic director Gina Hierlmeier. “We look forward to him working with our student athletes, program coaches, and youth to continue to build on what we believe to be a great program at the high school.”