Loyola New Orleans announced Jan. 12 that its assistant volleyball coach would be taking over as head coach as the team prepares to go into its beach season.
Jenna Ibieta has been a presence for the Wolf Pack team since July of 2025, first virtually then in person. Before joining the wolfpack, she worked at a small private catholic middle/ high school in Lafayette while also coaching the volleyball team.
This promotion keeps leadership within the program and provides familiarity for the returning roster. She played a key role in helping the indoor team win the Southern States Athletic Conference last semester and her goals stay the same this semester.
“I always want to win the conference championship, but the biggest thing is seeing growth within the girls whether it is on or off the court,” Ibieta said.
With the new position comes taking on more responsibilities and changing her mindset that she had for the team last semester.
“I think being an assistant you’re more trying to figure out how not only to support the girls but also the head coach, being that middle person for them. Being head coach is more figuring out game plans and logistics and also reflecting on what my team needs as a leader,” she said.
While serving as an assistant she helped Loyola remain competitive in conference plays while working closely with several students who earned all-conference and SSAC recognition.
“I value their determination, persistence, preserence. We have a handful of girls who have never played beach volleyball before; when things get tough and the drills are hard or frustrating or new they are dedicated enough to keep learning,” Ibieta said.
With new players coming for the upcoming season and an amount of girls returning for the beach season, Ibieta wants to build on what they learned from previous coach Robert Pitre.
“I want to chase more success by building on what was already built before and to continue growing,” Ibeita said.
This upcoming season will not only be new for some returning players Ibieta as well since only being a predominantly indoor coach and playing indoor when she was younger.
“I am lucky to have two part time people on for beach season who really know the game, so getting to learn a different style of the game is really cool,” she said.
The team started last week with practices beginning at 6:30 a.m. to prepare for the upcoming season starting in mid-February.
“We actually started practice last week. It has been chilly out there, but the girls have not complained which has been great,’’ Ibieta said.
While being thankful for her part time assistant coaches she is also thankful for the university and the other departments for being there for the players supporting them through every game.
“I want to thank the other athletic departments, we always saw the men and women’s basketball team in the stands cheering for the girl. Also the university for having other opportunities for the girl outside of athletics,” she said.
Even through early morning practices in the cold she wants her players to enjoy the time that they have in the game.
“As a former player, I would say that the time flies quickly; enjoy every moment because there’s going to be a point where you don’t have the opportunity to put that jersey on again and you’re going to miss the morning workouts and practices,” Ibeita said.
