The Bowling Green volleyball team didn’t have to look far to find a replacement for head coach Tim Sharp, with Sharp’s assistant Keith Carver named new head coach on Tuesday.

Carver was an assistant in all four seasons Sharp served as head coach, part of the program’s largest success in history.

He said he is excited to take the reins and continue that success.

“It’s a great group of girls,” Carver said. “I can’t wait to be the front person for the program and take us to the next level – continuing the success we’ve already had.”

In four years under Sharp, Bowling Green finished 114-29, winning the program’s first two Region 4 titles in 2021 and 2022. The Lady Purples advanced to the state quarterfinals in 2021 and the semifinals in 2022 – finishing with a program best 39-3 record.

BG finished 25-11 last season, winning a third straight District 14 tournament title before falling to eventual region champion Logan County in the region semifinals.

Carver said he expects a smooth transition, having been a part of the program the last four years.

“You don’t really have to invent new wheels,” Carver said. “You can keep the same culture, the same mindset going forward. We are kind of ahead of the curve there. With a new coach coming in, a lot of times with a new program you come in not knowing faces. You have to build a trust. I feel like between myself and the girls we already have that trust established, so I think we can hit the ground running.”

He added that despite the recent success, the program is capable of reaching even loftier heights.

“The goal and expectations of Bowling Green volleyball has come a long way in four years, but as I told (principal Kyle McGraw) and (athletic director Calvin Head) during my interview I don’t think the program has reached its ceiling yet,” Carver said. “I think there is more out there to get.”

Carver said the immediate plans are to continue what he has already been doing this offseason, being part of open gyms in preparation for the upcoming season this fall.

“We never really hiccuped from that,” Carver said. “I had a goal to be involved no matter how the head coaching hire went, so that is how we’ve been rolling so far.”

– Follow sports reporter Micheal Compton on Twitter @mcompton428 or visit bgdailynews.com