Bama Bound!

It's official.  The Lauers are moving to Alabama!

It has all happened so fast we can hardly believe it.  In mid-December, Josh found out that the 1st assistant position at the University of Alabama was open and we discussed the opportunity. He had not been looking to leave UMSL but knew this was a chance to learn from an accomplished coach in a major division I conference.  A series of providential events led to a face to face meeting between Josh and Coach Green at the AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) convention in Sacramento.  She requested a resume and they began to communicate via email over the holidays.

In early January, Josh was invited to interview for the position in Tuscaloosa.  He spent two days meeting with the athletic director, the volleyball coaching staff, the team, and a variety of other folks at the university.  To our knowledge, their were two other candidates besides Josh but both accepted head coaching positions while Josh was in Alabama at his interview!  

On Friday of last week, Josh was offered and accepted the position.  

If that all seems fast, the last week has been at light speed.  In the matter of about 5 days I have notified my district that I will not be returning in the fall, Josh has resigned from UMSL, we have met with a real estate agent, and, with the help of Josh's parents, we have begun to redo our kitchen and bathroom in preparation for putting the house on the market.  

Josh's first day on the job will be February 4th.  He will likely travel down to Tuscaloosa alone and find a house for us to rent.  Then, sometime in mid-February, Noah and I will join him.  

Needless to say, we are a little overwhelmed right now.  But so much has happened to show us that God's hand is on this move and this opportunity, so we are trusting in that!  I'll keep you posted as more details develop.

Here is a link to the press release about Josh's resignation: http://www.goumsltritons.com/index/99

Alabama has a facility dedicated to the volleyball program know as the "CAVE".  This is a dream come true for Josh as he has spent the last 4 years sharing the UMSL gym with basketball, rec sports, and a variety of university functions!