As the Wichita State volleyball team battles their way through Missouri Valley Conference this year, they will be doing with a new face on the coaching staff.

Southern California native Sean Carter said he chose WSU to work his way up to a Division I coaching position.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity to be able to work for such a successful program and such a well-respected and knowledgeable coach in Chris Lamb,” Carter said. “It is a great opportunity to gain experience coaching at the highest level the NCAA has to offer.”

Carter has been coaching since he was 18 years old. This coming season will be his ninth year in the sport. He began coaching boys club volleyball and then transitioned into the women’s game a few years later. A game, he said, needs every player to be successful.

“I love the pace of the game,” Carter said. “I think it is very exciting and demands speed, power, and tremendous eye-hand coordination. I also love it because it really is a great example of a complete team sport.

His goal as a coach is to serve the team and help student athletes become the best they can be on and off the court.

“I’m hoping to develop leaders that will leave this university and make an impact in their communities, careers and families,” he said.

Coach Carter looks to educate fans about the sport and make it more entertaining for them to watch.

“We actually have a volleyball 101 dinner coming up in August, which would be great for people are interested to get involved in,” he said. “It’s a great spectator sport if people are willing to give it a chance.”

Volleyball season begins Aug. 29 with the Bluegrass Battle at Kentucky.