Alum Abbi Bosnich hired to lead St. Bede volleyball

Abbi Bosnich played volleyball for St. Bede.

For the last three years, she served as an assistant coach under Karrie Damerell at St. Bede.

Now, Bosnich will lead the Lady Bruin program.

“It’s kind of hard to describe,” Bosnich said about the feeling of taking over at her alma mater. “Being an alum of St. Bede and having had the opportunity to be part of the staff with Karrie the last three years, when the opportunity came up it was just too good for me to pass up.

“I’ve always had a strong passion for volleyball and to be able to be back at St. Bede is pretty special.”

Bosnich played on St. Bede’s lone regional championship volleyball team in 2001 before graduating in 2002.

She hopes to bring that type of success back to the Lady Bruins.

“I think it’s really a benefit having been involved with the program for three years prior to becoming head coach,” Bosnich said. “I feel like Karrie did a great job establishing a program and really instilling a passion for volleyball in the girls as well. I’m excited to continue that tradition. I hope we can have a season this year with everything going on and hopefully have some sort of postseason. I know when I walk in the gym it’s hard to look up and see only one regional championship at the Academy. It would be great to be able to put another one up there soon.”

While Bosnich hopes to lead the Lady Bruins to wins and postseason plaques, that’s not her only goal.

“I think every program has the goal of winning a regional and doing well in the postseason,” Bosnich said. “What’s also a large goal of mine as head coach is ensuring we have one program freshman to varsity. It’s really important for all the girls to feel part of St. Bede. Some of my greatest memories are playing sports. I want our kis to have the same memories. We want to win and do well and I think we have a lot of talent returning, but it’s also important to be good people. I think being kind and offering to do for others should come first. If we can do those things, I guarantee we’ll be successful at volleyball.”

Bosnich has an extensive coaching resume besides being a St. Bede assistant the past three years.

She was the head coach at Bureau Valley from 2012-15, leading the Storm to a 27-6 record and a 12-0 Three Rivers Conference East Division mark in 2014.

Bosnich has also been an assistant volleyball coach at IVCC and an assistant basketball coach at Princeton and Bureau Valley.

“I think every job you’re in whether it’s in the education field or as a coach, you can always learning something,” Bosnich said. “Having prior head coaching knowledge I think will help. Something I think that’s so important, especially in the world right now is just to ensure you’re always learning and to never be too set in your ways. I think that’s when you do your best is when you’re willing to learn from others. I hope to continue to do that and learn from the great mentors I have in my life.”