MARTINSVILLE – For the women’s Volleyball team at Patrick Henry Community College, adapting to change is part of the game – whether that change is a play strategy on the court or getting a new coach. When coach Lee Orr stepped down earlier this month, the Lady Pats sought a coach that would embody the same passion and commitment Orr brought to the team. Hannah Helbert, who had been the team’s assistant coach, was a natural fit.
As a former standout on the Ferrum College volleyball team and a former head coach of a travel ball team, Helbert brings years of experience to her new position.
"Hannah has already proved to be an outstanding hire with her head coaching experience in travel ball and her experience in our program as an assistant," says Henderson. "She is full of passion for the game and a great fit for the program. It will be a seamless transition. We are excited about the future with Hannah leading our team."
Although the transition has been smooth, saying goodbye to Coach Orr was not easy for the team. Coach Orr has been with the Lady Pats since the team’s first season in 2015. During his tenure as an assistant coach, they won two Region X titles. Orr took over as head coach in Spring 2018, leading the team to a second place finish in the conference and an appearance in the district tournament.
“I feel that Hannah is an excellent choice as she has coached at the varsity level plus the year she spent as my assistant at PHCC," says Orr. "Hannah and I were on the same page from day one. I knew from the beginning that if she were to take over the program, it would be in great hands."
Helbert will be hitting the ground running to recruit and establish a strong team, but she says she is up to the challenge.
"It is an honor to have the opportunity to build on the solid foundation that Coaches Orr and Proffitt established in the PHCC volleyball program," says Helbert. "My goals are to not only win on the court but (more importantly), to win off the court too. It is my job to show our young ladies how to be student-athletes and gain a degree while playing the sport they love."
PHCC Volleyball will open their season next Fall and compete for a third Region X title. Visit www.phccsports.com to keep up with the Lady Pat's Volleyball team.