One of Kim Brooks’ greatest motivations for coaching is her own regret.

Her aim now as East Union’s new head varsity volleyball coach is to help athletes realize their potential.

“I feel that I didn’t give it 110 percent in school, so I wanted to make sure that I come back to give the girls a chance to show them what they are capable of accomplishing,” she said.

Brooks has taken charge of the program after spending the last five years performing various roles — from freshman and sophomore head coach to varsity assistant — for East Union’s previous coaches. She’s one of five new coaches among the seven Manteca-area schools, including Heather Anderson (Lathrop), Eddie Menzel (Weston Ranch), Erin Cutino (Ripon) and Jocelyn Benziger (Ripon Christian). Kevin Bolding and Trinity Johnson remain at Manteca and Sierra, respectively.

Rich Posz stepped down as East Union coach after the 2015 season, the Lancers’ best during his four-year tenure in which they went 63-50 under his tutelage. He led them to a third-place finish in the Valley Oak League and their first Sac-Joaquin Section playoff appearance since 2011. His predecessor was Eryn Bowers, whom Brooks played for — and later coached with for a season — in her senior year. Brooks graduated from East Union in 2008.

“(Bowers) was an amazing coach,” Brooks said. “Between Rich and Eryn I learned a lot. Rich did an amazing job of running the program.”

She’s looking to continue the upward trend started by Posz, who had three straight winning seasons while East Union improved its standing in league each year. Although much of the coaching staff remains at all levels, Brooks is looking for new leadership from her players after the team lost four all-league selections — outside hitters Haley England and Mellisa King, setter Jordyn Posz and defensive specialist Alissa Burrola — to graduation.

Middle blocker Sophie Williams and setter Vanessa Cuellar, an outside hitter last year, are among the team’s top returners.

“We have a handful of returning players, a lot incoming talent as far as the juniors go and a few underclassmen,” Brooks said. “We’re expecting a lot from our seniors, a lot of them play club so we have a lot of expectations and goals.”

East Union hosts Gregori on Monday, Aug. 29 for a Foundation Game. The Lancers welcome Lathrop on Sept. 12 for their VOL opener.