Jeff Patton was named head coach of the EKU beach volleyball program in July of 2021
In 2024 Patton led the Colonels to a 16-14 overall record, the best in program history. The Colonels went 4-3 against ASUN competition in the regular season. Sarah Mitchell broke the program's all-time win record for a single player in an EKU career as her and playing partner Paityn Walker were ranked as high as No.13 in the top-flight of the NCAA. EKU also started the season 5-1 the best start in program history to a season.
In 2023, Patton led the Colonels to the best season in program history. EKU won 15 matches, including eight victories by sweep, and posted a winning record in the regular season for the first time ever. The Colonels set program records for most wins in a season, highest winning percentage, longest winning streak, longest road/neutral winning streak, and best start to a season.Â
In his first season as head coach, Patton guided EKU to a then-record five victories. The Colonels also won three consecutive matches for the first time in program history.Â
Patton joined the indoor program as an assistant in February of 2019 and served as the assistant coach for beach two seasons before taking over the program.
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Patton came to EKU 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.
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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.
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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.
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Patton received a master's degree in counseling with a specialization is sport and health psychology from Adler University.
