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Albert scores head coaching gig
Thursday, February 03, 2011
By Josh Mlot Sports Writer
BRIDGWATER, Va. - One of the top volleyball players the area has produced is on her way to uncharted territory.
Former Philipsburg-Osceola star Erin Albert was recently announced as the new head volleyball coach at Division III Bridgewater College. It's Albert's first head coaching job, following a two-year stint as an assistant at Chatham University outside of Pittsburgh.
"I'm excited to be a part of the strong tradition that is Bridgewater College volleyball," Albert said in a press release announcing her hiring.
"I feel that success is a direct byproduct of the people that you are surrounded with, and Bridgewater surrounds you with great people. I'm really proud to be a part of the Bridgewater family."
Albert was a four-year starter at D-III powerhouse Juniata from 2005-08, and was a member of the 2006 national championship Lady Eagle team.
She earned individual honors as an honorable mention American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American in 2007 and got the nod as an NCAA National All-Tournament player and MVP of the NCAA regional tournament as a senior in 2008.
The area native graduated from Juniata with a degree in chemistry, while also minoring in psychology.
At P-O, Albert was a two-time Progressland Player of The Year (2003-04) and a District 6 first-teamer and team MVP in 2004. She finished her Lady Mountie career with 1,004 kills, third all-time at Philipsburg-Osceola.
Bridgewater is hoping Albert can inject some of the success she experienced at Juniata into her new Lady Eagles side.
The 34-year-old program has had only two previous coaches, and with good reason. Bridgewater has had its share of success, even in the last decade. From 2002-08, it boasted a record of 186-35.
But during the past two seasons the team has stumbled into mediocrity, finishing just below .500 each year. The Lady Eagles' last NCAA tournament appearance came in 2000.
"We're really excited to have Erin here at Bridgewater as our next volleyball coach," Bridgewater Director of Athletics Curt Kendall said in the press release.
"She brings a lot of energy, knowledge and experience from nearly every level that will help her in maintaining the successes and tradition of the Bridgewater volleyball program."
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