Leesa Ware has been named the new head volleyball coach at Aberdeen Roncalli.

Ware is no stranger to the program, having served as an assistant for former coach Janet Wetz in the past.

“She knows the program well. She’s coached in our school before,” said Roncalli athletic director Derek Larson. “I think she’s going to be a good fit.”

Ware is looking forward to returning to the sidelines at Roncalli.

“I’m excited,” Ware said. “I’m familiar with the Roncalli atmosphere and their history, so I’m excited to be back.”

Ware has a strong volleyball background. She graduated from Warner, a traditional state-wide power in the sport. She helped lead the Monarchs to a state championship during her playing days and still remains close to Warner coach Kari Jung.

“I really rely on her and feed off of her ideas and her suggestions a lot,” Ware said. “She’s an amazing mentor.”

Larson likes the background that Ware brings to the Roncalli program.

“She was coached well when she was in high school,” Larson said, “and hopefully she can continue that tradition.”

Ware also has head coaching experience. She served as head coach for Leola-Frederick for four years total, most recently for the past two seasons for the Titans.

Ware, who has a 1-year-old and lives in Aberdeen where she is involved in private business, was looking for something a little more convenient.

“Leola-Frederick was tremendous and I absolutely loved it up there,” Ware said. “I loved what their program stood for and I’m definitely going to miss the girls a lot, but I just had to do what was best for myself and my family at this point.”

She replaces Mandy Smid who resigned from the position last fall.

Ware is familiar with the Cavaliers and can’t wait to get started.

“I’ve heard such good things, just about the girls’ mentality and athleticism, just the momentum and the motivation from them,” Ware said. “I’m extremely excited to step on the court and see what these girls can do.”