A-C Central hires new volleyball coach

The A-C Central/Virginia volleyball team has found its new coach.

Kristy VanMeter, an assistant with the team the past two seasons, was named the team’s new head coach at the A-C Central School Board meeting Wednesday night in Ashland.

“I’m really excited. It’s a really good program, so it’s a really good first head coaching job,” VanMeter said. “It’s pretty exciting.”

VanMeter had a personal recommendation from A-C Central’s former head coach, Carrie Jo Donnan, who resigned earlier this month to spend more time with her family.

“She’s at a point in her life where she’s ready to assume the role of a head coach,” Donnan said. “I was glad to have her for two years as an assistant and the timing worked out nicely.

“It made it easier to resign knowing that there might be someone ready to come in and take over.”

VanMeter attended North Greene High School, where she played basketball, softball and volleyball. She later attended Illinois College and played soccer and softball for the Lady Blues.

VanMeter teaches third grade at A-C Central, in the same building where her players attend classes.

“It’s been really nice getting to know the girls, and with Carrie Jo, she’s been an excellent teacher as the coach before me,” VanMeter said. “The girls are right there — I see them every day — so that helps to build relationships, too.”

VanMeter is taking over one of the area’s strongest volleyball teams. Under Donnan, the Lady Knights won five regional titles and six conference championships in 10 years.

And with two years as an assistant already under her belt, VanMeter has built connections with most of the team’s players.
“They respect me already with what I know and what I’ve done, and they all know we have the same goals in mind,” she said.

Added Donnan, “The girls were hopeful that she would get it.”

VanMeter, who has been coaching the team during summer volleyball, is wanting to get the season started as soon as possible.

A-C Central’s first game is Sept. 4 at Bunker Hill.

“I’m excited just to get it going. I’m ready for August to come just so we can get into practice and stuff,” the new coach said. “I’m just ready for the season to start now.”