Doerfler returns to coach Prairie volleyball team

When we last saw Andrea Doerfler coaching high school volleyball, she was leading the Prairie Falcons to a state championship.

After three seasons away from the high school game, Doerfler is back at Prairie. The school announced her return this week, pending district approval.

Doerfler will take over for Carlie Price, who resigned after one season.

“Prairie has a strong tradition and really strong administrative support for volleyball,” Doerfler said. “There is a great group of girls and families who love the game of volleyball. It’s a great place to coach.”

Doerfler coached the Falcons from 2008 to 2012, resigning after the Falcons won the 2012 Class 3A state championship. She also led Prairie to the state tournament in 2011 and 2009, earning trophies both seasons.

“You don’t go into it saying you’re going to top what you did last time. You work as hard as you can and develop players the best that you can and hope the results follow because of that,” Doerfler said.

Doerfler has been coaching club volleyball while she was away from the high school game. Still, she said she missed school athletics.

Andy Schoonover, Prairie’s athletic director, said he is ecstatic to have Doerfler back at Prairie. Travis Drake, who is now the school’s principal, was the AD when Doerfler was the coach.

“Travis told me she was one of the best coaches he has ever worked with,” Schoonover said. “Kind of an easy hire.”