The IUS volleyball team has added a new face to their coaching staff.
Sarah Drury-Petkovic started in February as the assistant coach.
Originally from Louisville, she graduated from Pleasure Ridge Park High School, where she played volleyball, basketball and ran track.
After high school, Drury-Petkovic attended the University of Louisville where she was a walk on player for their volleyball team and eventually earned a scholarship after her second year.
Drury-Petkovic is a 2002 graduate of the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.
Drury-Petkovic played volleyball during all four years she attended the University of Louisville, and then went on to train with the United States National Team in Colorado Springs, Colo., for another five years.
While training with the national team, Sarah was able to travel and compete overseas. She was an alternate for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.
“I didn’t get to go,” said Drury-Petkovic, “but if anyone would have gotten hurt I would have been the one called up.”
Since leaving the national team Sarah has coached at Assumption High School and the Kentucky Indiana Volleyball Academy, a club team in Louisville.
Drury-Petkovic currently lives in Louisville, and said she is happily married and excited to be celebrating her one year anniversary in October. Drury-Petkovic came to IU Southeast on the recommendation of her older sister, Lesley Drury-Prather, who is the Grenadiers’ head coach.
Drury-Prather is not the only member of Drury-Petkovic’s family involved with the team. Her younger sister, senior Stacey Flatt, plays right setter for the Grenadiers.
Drury-Petkovic has big goals for this season.
“We want to be season conference champs, but also tournament champs,” Drury-Petkovic said. “Then we could get a bid into nationals, and that is our big goal”
The season started in August and continues with regular season conference until early November.
Drury-Petkovic said she, along with her sister, want to help the girls meet their goals no matter how long it takes.
Drury-Petkovic said she is here for the long run, to help build the program back up.
“We want to be a contender for the National Championships,” Drury Petkovic said, “but it’s going to take some time.”
Drury-Petkovic said she hopes the Grenadiers will reach their goals.
“I have had so many people give to me, now it’s my turn to give back,” Drury-Petkovic said.
By CHERYL SCROGGINS
Staff writer
clscrogg@ius.edu