When the girls volleyball team takes the floor this fall, they'll begin their journey in a new league with a new coach.

Laura Hausman, a 2008 graduate from Catasauqua High School, was approved by the Whitehall School Board at their May 12 meeting. She takes over for Robert Gardner who resigned in March.

Hausman spent the last two seasons as an assistant volleyball coach for the boys team. She said that while attending The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, head coach George Cowitch essentially recruited her while still in school to become an assistant. She had been a familiar face on the local club scene, coaching at Court Authority which later became Synergy.

She also spent last fall as an assistant coach for the Lafayette women's volleyball team.

Hausman said she knew she wanted to coach after completing her studies. She was actively involved in volleyball, whether it was managing the boys team at Richard Stockton, or helping out the local girls club team while at college.

"I always knew I wanted to go into coaching," said Hausman. "I was always involved [in volleyball] in some aspect."

During her time as an assistant under Cowitch, she became familiar with a number of the girls on the varsity team. In that capacity she established "a rapport with them" which will help ease the transition. She also feels their proximity in age will aid in communication. She also wants to make it an encouraging environment for all the players.

"I'm very positive," Hausman said.

Whitehall Athletic Director Robert Hartman said that she has a lot of attributes that she'll bring to the table.

"She is very passionate and goal oriented," said Hartman. "She is very knowledgeable and energetic."

They've had open gyms the last two weeks and Hausman said that the focus has been on conditioning. She's said the team has indicated that's going to be a priority this year, and she'll do whatever she can to help them achieve their goals.

"The girls just want to be pushed," said Hausman. "I'm willing to teach them everything. It's about hard work, results and learning.

Hausman takes over the reins of a team that went 9-11 last season and made the district playoffs. She'll now guide them through their inaugural season in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference with a squad that only lost two seniors off its roster.

It will be learning curve for everyone, and Hausman believes they can make big strides together this year.