East Central Community College's new volleyball program will have a veteran at the helm, Patrick Hiltz.  

Hiltz, who has 30 years of experience in the sport, most recently served as the head coach at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kan., where he coached for five years. 

"I am extremely excited for this opportunity," said Hiltz. "This is an opportunity that my wife and I have prayed for as we wanted to get closer to home and never would have thought it could be at East Central...it is as perfect as it can get."  

In the junior college ranks, Hiltz coached at Blinn College for one season as an assistant before taking the head spot at Garden City.  

Before Blinn, Hiltz was the indoor and beach volleyball coach at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He holds the most wins in ULM beach volleyball history and the second-highest winning percentage in the indoor volleyball program.  

"I want to instill my love of the sport in East Central's community, that is one of my main goals," Hiltz stated. "Volleyball continues to grow...Mississippi is getting involved in this growth, and I want East Central to be a big part of it moving forward. I want a great relationship between fans, players, and students and envision a full gym cheering on the Warriors." 

Other coaching stints that Hiltz has had throughout his career include Nicholls State University in La. and Pheonix College in Ariz. 

"East Central Community College could not have a brand-new program be in better hands than Patrick Hiltz," said ECCC President, Dr. Brent Gregory. "His love for the game is very evident, and we are excited to have him join the ECCC family." 

He began his career coaching several high school and club teams across Arizona and Nevada. He grew up, played high school volleyball in Santa Barbara, Calif., and helped lead San Marcos High School to a California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Championship. 

"We are thrilled to have a coach with Patrick's extensive experience to come in and start our volleyball program," said ECCC Director of Athletics, Paul Nixon. "He is committed to helping volleyball grow throughout our five-county district and the East Central Lady Warrior program.

"I want to thank the Board of Trustees, Dr. Brent Gregory, Paul Nixon, and the hiring committee for this opportunity, and I look forward to bringing my passion for this sport to the school and the community." 

Hiltz and his wife Heather Holley Hiltz, an ECCC graduate, have two children: Erin and Ethan.