Anna Meyer has been around the game of basketball in many different roles throughout her entire life. Now she’s ready for her next challenge.

Meyer, a 2007 Austin High School grad, was recently named interim head girls basketball coach for the Packers after Todd Johnson resigned and she’s looking forward for a chance to lead the program.

“I want to give a huge thanks to the administration for having faith in me. It’s like a dream come true,” Meyer said. “How may people are able to say that they’ve played here, had success and then were able to come back and coach and give back to the program?”

Meyer grew up around the Riverland Community College women’s basketball team as her mom Suzy Hebrink was the long-time head coach for the Blue Devils. Meyer went on to play for the Packers before going on to play at RCC and Division II Bemdiji State University.

After she finished her two-year stint with the Beavers, Meyer immediately began coaching under Hebrink at RCC and she went on to be an assistant coach for the Packers.

“Everything just kind of fell into place. It’s worked out and provided a great opportunity for me,” Meyer said. “I’ve always wanted to coach. I watched my mom do it for so long and she says the next best thing to playing is coaching. I learned a lot from my mom as far as coaching philosophies and teaching fundamentals.”

Meyer said she has learn on the fly about the behind the scenes work that the varsity coach has to do to run a program, but she’s excited to lead the program. Meyer is hoping to have a team that works hard on a regular basis by the time it opens its season at Stewartville 7 p.m. Nov. 29.

“I just want to instill working hard and always giving your all,” Meyer said. “I want to play a fast paced game, but under control. We want to control what we do without worrying about the other team.”