LA GRANDE, Ore. -- The Eastern Oregon University Athletic Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Hailey Pearce as it's Volleyball Head Coach.

"I am very pleased that Hailey has accepted my offer to become our Head Volleyball Coach," EOU Director of Athletics, Rob Cashell said. "Her experience as a standout collegiate player and assistant coach, as well as her ties to the Pacific Northwest will enhance our program greatly."

Pearce, a Walla Walla, Wash. native, comes to La Grande from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont. Pearce served as an assistant for the Battlin' Bears for two seasons beginning in 2008. She helped RMC to a fourth-place finish in the talented Frontier Conference in 2009.

"I am excited to take advantage of such a great opportunity like this one," Pearce said. "I am glad to be back in the area. I look forward to getting started quickly."

While at Rocky Mountain as an assistant, the Battlin' Bears went 39-19 overall and 19-9 in conference play. RMC finished the 2008 season in second place in the Frontier Conference behind No. 14 Lewis-Clark State. Pearce was the head coach of the Rocky Mountain Junior Varsity team in 2008 and 2009.

Pearce graduated with a Business Management degree in 2008 from Rocky Mountain College. She lettered in all four of her seasons from 2004 to 2008. Pearce was selected All-Frontier Conference Second Team and All-Region honorable mention in her senior season.

Pearce, a setter, was named the Frontier Conference Player of the Week multiple times during her career, including three times her senior season. She was a member of the 2008 RMC squad that was recognized as an American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award winner.

In 2004, Pearce was named the Frontier Conference Freshman of the Year. She was named Second Team All-Frontier Conference in her junior year as well. After graduating, Pearce joined a select team from the United States that played in the Netherlands and Germany.

Pearce was a standout in volleyball and track and field at Walla Walla High School. Her immediate family still lives in Walla Walla. She takes over for Kaki McLean-Morehead who moved to Idaho with her husband Shawn Morehead. Pearce will begin her duties on March 1, 2010.