Head Coach Caitlin Rimgaila announced that former Lehigh University volleyball player Rachel Charles has been hired as a graduate assistant volleyball coach at La Salle.

"I couldn't be more thrilled that Rachel decided to join our coaching staff," Rimgaila said. "Rachel was the epitome of a student-athlete at Lehigh, excelling both on the court and in the classroom. Her high-level playing experience, volleyball IQ and skills will immediately help increase our team's defensive and serve receive efforts."

Charles looks forward to reuniting with Rimgaila, who served as her assistant coach during the 2013 season at Lehigh.

"Thank you to Coach Rimgaila for giving me the opportunity to join the volleyball staff at La Salle University," added Charles. "I'm incredibly grateful to start my coaching career alongside her and Coach Kroger, all while helping to take the program to the next level and continuing my education."

Charles enjoyed an accomplished career both on the court and in the classroom during her time at Lehigh.

A four-year letter winner, Charles was the Patriot League Libero of the Year for three straight seasons.

The Farmington Hills, Michigan native is the all-time Lehigh leader in digs (1,693) and digs per game (4.54 per set). She also ranks fifth on the school's list for career aces with 157.

As a senior in 2013, Charles was named a first team All-Patriot League performer. She tallied 421 digs and 41 service aces, which was good enough for 15^th in the nation in service aces per set (.45).

Prior to her senior season, Charles was selected as one of 48 student athletes to compete in the U.S. Women's National A2 Team Program.

During her junior year she was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll. 

Charles, an undergraduate Earth and Environmental Sciences major, will be in the Master of Public Health Program at La Salle.