According to a press relase from Missouri State University – West Plains (MSU-WP), Patricia “Paty” Figueiredo has been named the permanent head coach of the Grizzly Volleyball program.
Figueiredo is a former player and Grizzly Hall of Fame honoree and assuming the position after the March 1st retirement of Paula Wiedemann, the long time leader of Grizzly Volleyball.
Athletic Director Rusty Laverentz said, ““Paty was the ideal candidate because she’s a Grizzly through and through. She played here, coached here and knows the traditions of the program. She came highly recommended by Paula, and she brought in a talented recruiting class for last year’s team. She knows what she’s looking for in the recruiting process because she’s been through the program before. She knows what type of player fits in the program and in the community, and we’re excited to see where she takes Grizzly Volleyball in the future.”
Figueiredo is a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She came to MSU-WP in 2008 as a setter. She played in the NJCAA Division 1 Women’s National Volleyball Championship Tournament for two teams during her Grizzly tenure. She was on the second place Grizzly team in 2009.
“I have had the opportunity to coach at the NCAA Division I and the NAIA levels. I was also director of volleyball and indoor and beach volleyball coach for a boarding school and a club. My time as a student-athlete, especially here in West Plains, was an important key in my preparation to lead the Grizzlies. The fact that I was part of the program on both sides as a player and coach gives me a great understanding of what it takes to be successful and the challenges we may face on the road,” she said.
Her new position is still waiting approval by the Missouri State University Board of Governors.