Novacek Takes over Volleyball Reigns
LONGMEADOW, Mass. - Bay Path Athletic Director Steve Smith announces the hiring of a new Women's Volleyball Coach for the 2013-2014 campaign. A recent graduate of Lock Haven University in central Pennsylvania, Grace Novacek makes her collegiate coaching debut. Novacek takes over for Natalie Stothart, who took the Wildcats in her two years at the helm to their first ever winning seasons going 26-22.
Novacek started all four years as a middle blocker for the Lady Eagles and was captain her junior year. Her team qualified for the NCAA Division II regional tournament every year she played, finishing in the Sweet 16 her freshman year. She is 7th all-time in career blocks for her alma mater.
After graduating summa cum laude with a B.S. in Sport Administration, and minors in coaching and sport and exercise psychology, Novacek is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology at nearby Springfield College.
The Wildcats return seven student-athletes including five starters. Leading the way is the 2012 NECC Defensive Player of the Year junior libero Kacie Bayreuther.
"I am so excited to be a part of the Bay Path family and to lead 12 talented and committed student-athletes to reach their goals this season. The welcoming atmosphere of the campus starts with the devoted faculty and staff at BPC and extends to the surrounding supportive Longmeadow community. I could not picture myself starting this journey anywhere else, and am so thankful to everyone in the athletics department and administration for giving me this opportunity."
Bay Path opens up the 2013 campaign hosting a tri-match on Saturday, August 30th with Bay Path facing Mt. Holyoke at 10:00 a.m. at HCC. The final match will see the Wildcats play Lyndon State at 2:00 p.m.
