Eastern Illinois University Athletics

In June of 2010, RYAN SWEITZER joined the Eastern Illinois volleyball program as an assistant coach under skipper Kate Price.

A former standout at Penn State (2006-09), he was a member of the NCAA National Championship squad as a junior in 2008. Sweitzer has most recently been playing internationally as a member of the Falkenberg, Sweden squad that annually finished in the top of the league.

A four-time letter winner as a Nittany Lion, Sweitzer earned First Team and Second Team All-EIVA (Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) honors, while also being named to the Hawaii all-tournament unit.

The 6-5 opposite hitter connected for double-digit kills as the Nittany Lions topped Pepperdine to win the program’s second national title in 2008, joining the Penn State women’s program who also won the volleyball title that previous fall season.

After redshirting his first season, Sweitzer would complete four-years at PSU with a .303 career hitting average, where he nailed a career high 346 kills as a senior, and also finished with 104 digs, 37 aces and 416 points, which were all single-season highs for the Lancaster, Penn., native.

While playing in Sweden, he not only garnered votes for both ‘Player of the Year’ and ‘Rookie of the Year’, but the team collected the Grand Prix Championship. His play helped him record the most points scored (for kills, aces and blocks) in both Elite League and Grand Prix action.

“I’m excited to be here,” said Sweitzer. “I’m ready for the season to start and the incoming players to get here. I look forward to work with Kate and to continue to improve the Panther program. I’m confident that our volleyball experience will be shown in our ability to help Eastern get to the top of the Ohio Valley Conference.”

His coaching experience includes working as the assistant director of the prestigious Penn State women’s volleyball clinic, as well as coaching numerous squads at various high-level camps and clinics throughout the United States.

Sweitzer received his degree in integrative arts as a student-athlete at Penn State, which includes work as a webpage and graphic designer.