A new face will be shouting words of encouragement from the sidelines this fall on the volleyball court at Eastside Catholic School.

Former University of San Diego volleyball star Jen Baklenko was hired as the Eastside Catholic Crusaders’ new girls volleyball head coach on March 10. Baklenko, who will continue her role as an assistant coach for the University of Washington Huskies Beach Volleyball team, is looking forward to leading the Crusaders’ storied high school volleyball program. Baklenko isn’t concerned about the transition from the collegiate level to the high school ranks.

“I’m going to bring the same things that I would bring to any team at any level,” Baklenko said. “I don’t think there really is a difference. I am who I am and I coach how I coach. The kids will know that I mean business when it is time and also know that I have a softer side and that I care about them.”

The Eastside Catholic administration is thrilled to land a coach with Baklenko’s pedigree.

“We are very excited to have Jen Baklenko on board with us at Eastside Catholic,” athletic director Jeremy Thielbahr said in a press release. “She brings with her extensive coaching and playing experience that we know will help take our volleyball program to the highest level.”

Baklenko said team camaraderie have been one of the staples of her squads over the years.

“I think every team that I coach tends to become more of a family,” she said. “Family is really important to me. With family comes discipline and being competitive and all those types of things as well.”

Baklenko, who has three children including incoming freshman volleyball player Cam Baklenko, said motherhood has helped her in all aspects of coaching.

“I am competitive and I am intense but I also understand that life happens,” she said. “I understand how families and kids work,” Baklenko said. “I used to be fairly intense, which I still am, but after having three kids and being a mom I would say I’m a little bit softer.”

Eastside Catholic’s new volleyball head coach can’t wait to get a jump start on the upcoming 2016 season.

“This program has been successful in the past,” Baklenko said. “I’m just excited to build on that and help bring it to the next level. I’m just looking forward to everything that the job has to offer as well as a great school academically for all these kids.”