The Gibson Southern Lady Titan volleyball head coach position has been filled. Jeni Britton from Owensville was named the head of the volleyball program at the March 21 school board meeting.

No stranger to coaching volleyball, Britton aims to make the program stronger and teach the girls core values they will use not only in volleyball but also everyday life.

“My hope is to build a program that players and coaches alike are very proud to be a part of, that we instill values they will carry with them throughout life as they learn good work ethics and how to be a good teammate,” Britton said.

Britton made the transition from coaching at Owensville Community School to Gibson Southern because it seemed like the next step for her.

“I have lived in Gibson County now for about 20 years, coached middle school volleyball at OCS for 11 years and my son, Karson Britton, is currently a student at Gibson Southern, so I guess it just seemed like the right fit,” Britton said.

Britton never really had aspirations to become a coach, but when she first stepped to the help of a team, she loved it. It is now a part of her life.

“I never really knew I wanted to become a coach until I volunteered for one of my daughter’s teams that needed a coach,” Britton said. “I had a lot to learn, but it has become my passion and I can’t imagine life without it!”

Britton has a stat-driven style of coaching and likes to watch the athletes improve.

“I would describe my style as very honest, upfront, and stat driven,” she said. “I believe the athlete needs to know what you expect in the beginning, what you are seeing, and then how it can improve.”

Junior Makenna Turner hopes to have a successful season with the new coach and wants to have good team chemistry.

“I would say the main goal we all have is to have a good winning season and to get there by working together and having a strong team,” Turner said. “We also want to win Sectional and get far in the postseason.”

Along with developing a strong team chemistry, junior Gabby Smitha would like to see Britton help them improve their game play.

“I’m hoping for the coach to push us this upcoming season and help us be the best we can be,” she said. 

Britton enjoys coaching and hopes that she will help this program out.

“My favorite part is there is always something to learn, new problems to solve, great relationships to build and the smile on their faces when you see something click,” Britton said. “I will do my very best to give these girls a great program!”

The Lady Titans open their 2023-2024 season on Aug. 14, when they host the North Posey Vikings.