The leader of the volleyball team is a familiar face in a new position.

Kyp Harasymowycz took over as head coach this year after serving as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator last year. Harasymowycz learned he was going to manage the team while coach Brauck took extended sick leave after returning from his honeymoon last November. He was given the job in May after Brauck retired.

Harasymowycz knew he had taken on a position that involves a lot of work. He also had some changes in mind for the program.

“At first I was a little overwhelmed,” said Harasymowcyz. “I’m glad the administration has let me run the program differently than it has been run in the past.”

He has also had to change how he handles the players on the team. Last year he spent a lot of time listening to the player’s frustrations and dealing with some emotional issues. Now he has to make all the tough decisions for the entire team.

“A lot of the girls used me as the emotional sounding board last year,” said Harasymowcyz. “It’s no longer a you-and-me personal conversation.”

The building of a solid program never stops. Recruiting players that fit into the program is one of the keys to success. Harasymowcyz wants players who have the desire to play, are athletic, and can learn the collegiate level of volleyball quickly.

“I want recruits to get here and meet the girls,” said Harasymowcyz. “The school and the program really sell themselves.”

Harasymowcyz likes to focus on ball control during practice. He wants to improve the team’s defense that he feels hurt them last year. The hard work has paid off as the Griffons aren’t allowing as many aces as they did a year ago. He wants the team to be aggressive and play with a lot of energy.

Practices are intense with little down time. Harasymowcyz avoids talking too much during practice. He would prefer his players learn to figure things out on their own.

“The kids could care less about what you say,” said Harasymowcyz. “All they want to do is win, not listen to the coach run his mouth.”

Many of the players who have made contributions this year are recruits that Harasymowcyz brought in. He has been impressed with some of the freshmen who have been able to step in and play well. Getting such an early return is a rare thing at this level.

While Harasymowcyz is happy with the progress of the team, he isn’t satisfied. He won’t be truly satisfied until he wins a national championship. He thinks that bringing in solid recruiting classes is the key to reaching that goal.

“Hopefully I will be as lucky as I was this year,” said Harasymowcyz. “If I am we may have a few more NCAA banners to go in the arena.”