Rice named new head volleyball coach

By Sam McClanahan

Pendleton County High School recently announced that 2019 alum Marian Rice has been hired to be the next head coach of the volleyball program.

Rice served as the junior varsity coach last season and says she's looking forward to having the opportunity to grow the program she once played for.

"I'm very excited to begin this new chapter. Being a Pendleton County native, I knew I wanted to be involved in helping this program succeed and grow. I feel like I have the drive to push these girls. As JV coach, I could feel myself getting so involved and developing a bond with the girls, so once the opening occurred, I couldn't help but pursue it," Rice said.

Rice explained that she wants to work on developing camps and programs at the youth and middle school level so that young girls will develop the skills needed to thrive at the varsity level.

"My love for the sport started in seventh grade, thanks to my coach who really created a spark for me. I've been playing ever since through high school, college and various leagues. I want our girls to know that I will always support them no matter what and I hope that I can help them find that love for the game." Rice explained.

As she embarks on her new journey leading the Ladycats program, Rice says there are plenty of people she needs to thank in helping her reach this goal.

"I'd like to thank my family for their support through the years, to Kristi Bishop for her guidance and to my former high school coach Laura Buck. She always pushed me and my teammates to be our best."