PICKENS — Pickens High School has named Rikki Owens as its new volleyball coach.
Owens, who teaches special education at Pickens Middle School, has a passion for volleyball and young people.
After graduating with honors from Presbyterian College, where she was a four year starter in volleyball, she was the JV volleyball coach at Dorman High School. She also assisted with the varsity team that won state championships in 2003 and 2004.
Owens is an Easley High School honor graduate where she lettered in volleyball, basketball, and softball.
“We are extremely pleased to add Coach Owens to our coaching staff,” said Corey Willimon, principal of PHS. “She will do an excellent job of continuing the proud tradition of excellence and success of Blue Flame volleyball.”
SCACA Hall of Fame coach and former PHS volleyball coach Peggy Anthony agreed.
“Rikki did a wonderful job instructing at my volleyball camp last year,” she said. “She is personable, energetic, knowledgeable and very capable of leading the Lady Blue Flame to continued success.”
Coach Paula Kirkland, SCACA Hall of Fame coach at Dorman High School, said she was thrilled for Owens and for Pickens High School.
“She will bring a contagious energy and positive approach with her to the program that players and parents alike will embrace. I know she will do all she can to keep the bar high for the volleyball program,” Kirkland said. “Rikki was extremely successful when she worked with us at Dorman and I have no doubt she will be successful at Pickens.”
A player and parent meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. May 1 in the PHS Cafeteria to meet Owens.