Caitlin Rimgaila sets her alarm clock for 4:45 every morning. Though she's been the head volleyball coach at La Salle for barely a month, Rimgaila has wasted no time making her imprint on the culture of the program.

"We've been practicing from 6 AM to 8 AM every morning so it's been an early wake up call," Rimgaila said. "We do our weight training three times a week, conditioning twice a week, and the weekends are off to study."

Rimgaila has inherited a young team that will lose only one senior to graduation in May. She is using the spring season to hone in on individual player skill in hopes that positive team results will follow as a result. 

"I've really tried to set a structure and establish goals and expectations for the spring alone," Rimgaila said. "We're not even really looking to the fall at this point. We're working on making them better individual volleyball players. I think it's important for them to increase their skill level, fitness, and stamina. We've also talked about meeting expectations in the classroom."

Rimgaila knows a thing or two about meeting expectations in the classroom. She enjoyed an outstanding volleyball playing career at St. John's from 2004-06 and was named BIG EAST Female Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2006 along with earning First-Team Academic All-District status. She was a three-time Academic All-BIG EAST honoree and graduated in three years with a 3.9 GPA in communication science.

"I think it is important to be relatable to the players," Rimgaila said. "My experience having played in high level NCAA Division I competitions, and being successful will hopefully rub off on the players when in challenging competitive situations. Most importantly, I understand what my players are going through in terms of trying to balance athletics, academics and social events in order to get a well-rounded college experience."

Rimgaila has found success practically everywhere she's gone as a coach. Most recently, she was the top assistant at Lehigh University where she helped guide the Mountain Hawks to a 20-9 season that included a program-best 11 Patriot League victories. Prior to her time at Lehigh, she enjoyed fruitful coaching stints at Bucknell University, Pope John Paul II High School, Philadelphia Volleyball Academy, the Synergy Volleyball Club and SUNY FIT.

Though Rimgaila has garnered a bevy of experience across many levels and locations, she feels especially at home at La Salle where she embarks on her newest coaching journey.

"Since I grew up in Philadelphia, I am fairly familiar with the athletic traditions at La Salle," she said. "I know historically the volleyball program gave opportunities to local tri-state volleyball players to play at a Division I level. Of course, since I played in the Philadelphia volleyball scene, I am looking to give back to the volleyball community in order to help grow the game."

Giving back comes naturally to Rimgaila, and La Salle's tradition of service was evident to her from the first day on the job. As she hits the recruiting trail, Rimgaila is seeking prospective players whose personalities align with the school's longstanding values.

"Leadership is a big thing for me," Rimgaila said. "Overall, I just want well-rounded student-athletes, people who have had their hand in a little bit of everything. I also think it's important to find athletes that want to be at a smaller-sized urban campus and a true Catholic education."

As Rimgaila continues to get acclimated at La Salle, she will use her passion and energy to make the program her own. Even if it means waking up at the crack of dawn.