Nate Kitrush has returned to IPFW for his first season as an assistant Coach.

Last year he worked as a volunteer assistant coach with the Purdue University women's volleyball team. Prior to that, Kitrush was manager for the IPFW men's volleyball team for three years.

The Fort Wayne, Ind., native got his start in volleyball as a three-year letterwinner at Northrop High School. An all-conference and all-state honoree as a senior, he helped lead his team to the state tournament three times, including two appearances in the state finals.

As Mastodons team manager, he utilized Data Volley and Data Video software to break down opponents for scouting purposes. His efforts paid off as the team was ranked as high as eighth nationally and advanced to the NCAA Final Four in 2006.

In addition to his work at IPFW under head coach Arnie Ball, Kitrush has coached at his alma mater, helping guide the team to runner-up conference finishes both seasons as well as a sectional title.

During the 2005 campaign, he helped coach the Asics Munciana 17-1 Bulldogs to a third-place finish at the Junior Olympics.

Kitrush also has gained experience coaching women's volleyball camps at IPFW and Purdue and men's volleyball camp at Ohio State.