![](https://www.dailyeasternnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/VB_07_O-600x400.jpg)
Eastern’s fifth year volleyball coach Sara Thomas put in her resignation Wednesday morning, according to athletic director Tom Michael.
“It was just the best move for my family, and I’m thankful and grateful for my time here,” Thomas said.
Her resignation comes a day after the Daily Eastern News reported that volleyball associate head coach, Manolo Concepcion, did not get his contract renewed.
Thomas was hired by Michael on Dec. 23, 2019. The team went 2-14 for her first season in 2020.
The team’s record gradually improved, ultimately peaking at 28-5 in 2023. Her efforts earned her Ohio Valley Conference coach of the year that season.
The same year, Eastern’s team got the first seed in the OVC tournament. They would go on to win the OVC Championship that year, making the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2001.
In the 2024 season, the team posted a 9-19 record, missing the tournament.
Prior to Eastern, Thomas was an assistant coach at Missouri State University for two years. Before Missouri State, she was head coach at Althoff Catholic High School from 2011-2017.
Thomas noted how she is happy with where the program is. She pointed out the move to McAfee Gym, set to take place for the 2025 season.
The volleyball transfer portal closed on Jan. 6, but according to the NCAA, players will have 30 days to enter the portal following a coaches departure.
A search for Thomas’ replacement will be underway following a press release this afternoon.
Aidan Cusack can be reached at 581-2812 or at atcusack@eiu.edu.