H.S. Volleyball: Former Elyria player Paige Pileski promoted to head coach

New Elyria volleyball coach Paige Pileski won't have to learn the storied history of the Pioneers program. She's lived it. Pileski, a 2011 Elyria grad who went on to play at Baldwin Wallace University, was approved Wednesday by the Board of Education to become head coach and replace Jen Shouse, whose team went 4-18 last season. "It was always a dream to coach at my alma mater. It really didn't seem possible until I got a teaching job in Elyria, once that happened I knew I wanted to coach at Elyria," said Pileski, who is an elementary school teacher in the district. "I didn't know my time would come so quickly but I am glad that it has. I am looking forward to the future of Elyria volleyball." Pileski grew up around the Elyria volleyball program as her dad, Ray, was a longtime assistant under Hall of Fame coach Carol Russo. Pileski was the varsity assistant coach last season after spending 2019-21 with the junior varsity and freshman programs. "I grew up in the gym as a little girl with my dad coaching," Pileski said. "I had such a great experience growing up through Elyria volleyball. I look forward to getting my players to have that same experience. I want them to leave their legacy in the Elyria volleyball program and have the same positive experience as I did." Pileski was All-Northeast Ohio Conference as a senior and left Elyria second all time in aces. She wants the hallmark of the Pioneers to be defense. "We have to focus on our defense and being aggressive in that aspect of the game," Pileski said. "We can't go out and think that we're just going to be the biggest hitter on the court." Although Pileski knows the girls in the program, she has yet to officially meet the team as head coach. "I won't see them until we have lifting on Monday but I have reached out through our messaging program," Pileski said. "It starts now in the offseason, we've got to put in the effort in the offseason. The work the girls put in is what they are going to get out of it and the work starts Monday. "I think everything starts with culture. There has to be a culture where everybody buys in and believes in our purpose for being there." Between hitting drills and conditioning, Plieski wants to take time to make sure her players know the history of Elyria volleyball. "I know some of the girls are aware of the history, but as coaches we need to make them believe they are a part of that and can have the same success as past teams," Pileski said. "The best way to have the girls feel the history of Elyria volleyball is to let them see that history. Have alumni come in to speak about their experiences, have conversations with them about Elyria volleyball's past success." Pileski also learned from another legendary coach in her time at Elyria. She played two years of softball for coach Ken Fenik and was a part of the 2009 state championship team. "I have learned a lot through my experiences teaching and coaching. I felt like it was time to mold the program and make it my own while continuing the tradition of Elyria volleyball," Pileski said. Contact Todd Shapiro at (440) 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com.