By: Mary Hart- Sports Information Director
Photo courtesy of USU Eastern
PRICE, Utah — USU Eastern Athletics is proud to announce the return of a familiar face to the helm of its volleyball program. Former Eagle standout and assistant coach Alyssa Fitch, formerly known as Simmons, has been named the new head coach of USU Eastern Volleyball.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Alyssa back to Utah State Eastern,” said Director of Athletics Jess Brinkerhoff. “Her legacy here as both a player and coach speaks for itself; she’s been part of the most successful seasons in program history as a player and then as an assistant coach. Alyssa understands not only what it takes to win and recruit at a national level at our elite level, but also what it means to represent this campus and community with pride. I have full confidence in her ability to take on the role of head coach and continue elevating our program, developing student-athletes on and off the court, moving student athletes on to higher levels, and building on a standard of excellence that she helped create. This is more than a coaching hire, it’s an investment in the future of Eagle Volleyball.”
Fitch’s journey with the Eagles began in 2019 as a student-athlete, where she quickly became an impact player and team leader. During her collegiate career from 2019 to 2021, Fitch played a pivotal role in some of the program’s most historic moments. She helped lead the Eagles to three consecutive conference championship appearances, a program first, and was instrumental in the team’s first-ever appearance at the national tournament, where they earned an impressive 7th-place finish. In her final season, she capped off her playing career by helping the Eagles secure their first-ever conference championship title in Fall 2021.
A multi-year all-conference honoree, Fitch’s competitive drive, leadership, and knowledge of the game made her a natural transition into coaching. She returned to Price in 2022 and 2023 as an assistant coach, where she continued to push the program forward, helping lead the team to a 10th-place finish at nationals in her first season on staff.
Following her time at USU Eastern, Fitch broadened her coaching experience at Jordan High School, serving as their volleyball coach for the 2024 season. Now, with a wealth of playing and coaching experience under her belt, Fitch is coming home to Price to take the reins of the volleyball program she helped elevate.
“I am excited to come back to the Eagle Family,” says Fitch. “Price has always been my second home. I look forward to returning to my old stomping grounds to continue building the legacy Coach Jensen has built for the program.”
Fitch will be relocating back to Price with her husband, Tyler Fitch, a former USU Eastern baseball player, as they return to the campus and community they’ve long called home.
Her tenure as head coach begins immediately as preparations are underway for the upcoming 2025 fall season.