Rast is new PHS volleyball coach

By David Williams
Published in Sports on May 4, 2004 1:55 PM

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PRINCETON -- Princeton High School athletic director Al Musgrave was looking for a lot of enthusiasm and and love for the game of volleyball in his new coach.

He did not have to search far, finding those exact traits on his own softball field.

Musgrave and Princeton principal Kirk Denning introduced the Bulldogs' new volleyball coach, Trudi Rast, on Monday at the school. Rast, who has been assisting with the varsity softball team this season, will begin her duties with the Lady 'Dogs this fall. Holly Sutton will coach the Princeton JV program.

"I did some checking," Musgrave said of his new coach. "Every coach I called all had excellent praise for Trudi."

Again, Musgrave did not have far to go to do his checking. Rast was a 1998 graduate of Charles B. Aycock High School. Then she was Trudi Howell, a three-sport athlete who played basketball and softball in addition to volleyball, where she was coached by Jane Tyndall.

Rast has a degree in Business and Marketing from East Carolina University. At ECU, Rast played and officiated intramural volleyball. Rast's sister, Paige Howell, went to junior college on a volleyball scholarship and now plays on the ECU varsity team.

"We found a coach that is eager, has a lot of energy and is anxious to build on the tradition we have here," said Denning. "She is a good person and a good role model for our girls."

"I'm real excited," said Rast, "because I love volleyball. "I want to see the girls give 110 percent every game and every practice. I want to continue the tradition of excellence that started here."

Rast said she has spoken to former coach Paula Wooten, who ran the program until 2002. She has pledged her support to Rast, which the new coach said meant a lot to her.

Rast has not met with the team, but saw them play most of last season. The team will be young, graduating three players and having two rising seniors.

"We'll be in teaching mode," Rast said. "Learning different drills and such."

Rast said she expected her team to take part in Johnston County's summer volleyball league. She was also asked if she might try to schedule her alma mater, Charles B. Aycock.

"Possibly," she said with a smile.