LA GRANDE, Ore. -- Former head volleyball coach Kaki McLean Morehead has been named Eastern Oregon University's interim head volleyball coach the school released Thursday.
Morehead steps into the role in place of Hailey Pearce who passed away in an automobile accident Monday, returning home from the Spokane, Wash. area. Morehead resigned as head volleyball coach in November of 2009 in order to move to Idaho with husband Shawn Morehead who runs the family ranch in Bruneau, Idaho. Pearce was hired in spring of 2010, replacing Morehead.
“Kaki’s desire and willingness to help our university and volleyball program in a time of need is a true statement about how impactful her time at EOU was as an All-Conference player and coach," EOU Athletic Director, Rob Cashell said. “I am very grateful to Kaki and Shawn for their selflessness during this difficult situation.”
As head coach, Morehead led the Mountaineers to a third place finish in conference play in 2009, as well as appearances in the conference post season tournament in 2008 and 2009. Morehead left Eastern Oregon with a record of 61-40 as a head coach and the highest winning percentage (.610) in school history.
“While it is enjoyable for Shawn and I to return to EOU, it is with a heavy heart that we do," McLean Morehead said. “Hailey did a wonderful job and will be incredibly missed. I only hope that the girls and I can make her proud this season.”
McLean Morehead will begin her duties on July 27. A national search for a permanent replacement for Pearce will commence later in summer or early fall.