RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University athletics announced the promotion of Jeff Patton to head coach of the beach volleyball program.
 
Patton joined the indoor program as an assistant in February of 2019 and has served as the assistant coach for beach the past two seasons.  He will continue in his role as indoor assistant coach as well.
 
"I'm very appreciative to work with Director of Athletics Matt Roan to elevate Jeff to take over and lead our beach volleyball program," said Bazzani.  "Jeff has worked very hard.  His knowledge and mindset for the game is going to be great for the team and the growth of the beach volleyball program here at EKU.  I truly feel that making this transition is going to help elevate both programs – indoor and beach – to get to where we want both to be as we move into the ASUN Conference." 
 
The beach program, which began at EKU in the spring of 2019, has developed from zero beach only student-athletes, to three beach only student-athletes in 2021 and will be comprised of six beach only student-athletes in 2022.  The latest recruiting class includes the 2021 Ohio Valley Conference Beach Player of the Year.
 
In March, the Colonels opened their brand new state-of-the-art beach facility, which features three courts, lights, seating and a decorative fence enclosure.
 
"We're excited to continue building our beach program from the ground up and are optimistic Jeff can successfully lead us into this next phase as he takes on this leadership role," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Matt Roan.  "Coach Bazzani and I share the belief that this promotion will help us effectively prioritize and enhance both our indoor and beach programs.  Jeff has been an asset to our volleyball programs in every way and has demonstrated the ability to take charge of EKU beach volleyball."
 
Patton came to Eastern Kentucky from Northwestern University where he was a volunteer assistant coach for the Wildcats.  During his time at Northwestern he oversaw the team's serve training and strategies during matches, while also creating scouting reports and videos.
 
"First and foremost I would like to thank Matt Roan for providing me with this opportunity," Patton said.  "I would also like to thank Kirk Moats and Johnna Bazzani for believing in me to take over the beach volleyball program.  I am extremely grateful to be surrounded by a supportive athletics department to help me guide this team into the ASUN Conference.  With the roster we have compiled for the 2022 season, I am excited for this new challenge.  The support I have already received has been amazing and I look forward to leading this program to new heights."
 
The Auburn, California native played two years of collegiate volleyball at Loyola University.  During his senior campaign he ranked fourth on the team in service aces and helped lead his team to its first-ever NCAA semifinal berth.
 
Patton was a coach and part time assistant club director for D1 Volleyball Club, where he worked to maximize player talent to compete at the regional, state and nation levels.
 
Patton received a master's degree in counseling with a specialization is sport and health psychology from Adler University.