HAMPTON — Virginia Peninsula Community College has named Megan Rimer as head coach of its women’s volleyball team.
Rimer, who began playing volleyball in fifth grade, said the sport has been central to her life ever since.
“It was the only sport I fell in love with. Something just clicked,” she said.
Rimer was involved in volleyball from middle school through college, playing at Mars Hill University, a Division II school in North Carolina. She transitioned into coaching in 2016 after the birth of her son.
“I think I fell in love with coaching more than I fell in love with playing,” Rimer said. “It was just something about watching what you’re teaching these athletes click in their brains. It’s so cool watching them get excited about something that you’re so excited about.”
Rimer has spent the past four years coaching at Hampton High School and with the VA Wave Volleyball Club in Newport News. She also previously coached high school volleyball at Orange High School and in her home state of North Carolina.
Her club coaching experience also includes the Charlottesville Area Volleyball Club and Precision Athletics Volleyball Club. This will be her first college coaching position.
VPCC athletics director Chris Moore said Rimer stood out for her ability to connect with student-athletes.
“No. 1 is that she has a good rapport with student athletes. I got good recommendations on her behalf, saying she’s wonderful with the kids,” Moore said.
Moore said Rimer’s ties to the local volleyball community should help strengthen recruiting.
“She’s connected to a lot of young women in the area, and they want to play for her,” he said. “The key is finding somebody who does a good job building relationships but also somebody who is passionate and wants to be a part of our community.”
Rimer recently led a prospect camp at the Gators’ home gym, the SafeHaven Empowerment Center.
“It was a great opportunity to get in the gym and get a feel for the space,” she said.
Rimer said several players she previously coached attended the camp after expressing interest in joining the program.
“They were really excited to get in the gym with me again,” she said.
One of Rimer’s immediate priorities is building the roster. In recent years, the Gators have struggled to field more than six or seven players.
“I think we’re already on the right path of getting some really good athletes and getting our numbers up,” she said. “From there, I want to find a good amount of girls to come in and really help me start building the program.”
The next scheduled match for Virginia Peninsula Community College women’s volleyball appears is Saturday, Sept. 12, when the Gators host Sandhills Community College.
