A Houston High School graduate has been named the interim head volleyball coach at Missouri Southern State University.
Rachel (Rees) Kirkman, an assistant last season, was named to the position earlier this month. She replaces Trish Knight, who was fired after going 5-55 in two seasons leading the Lions.
“I’m happy to bring in someone with a familiarity to the program and this team,” Missouri Southern AD Jared Bruggeman said. “Rachel is an excellent coach and her knowledge and experience with our team will be a great asset. I am excited to see her begin her collegiate head coaching career.”
Kirkman said inherits a team that was winless in 30 matches in 2012.
“I’m excited and very grateful for the opportunity to be able to lead this team in the 2013 season,” Kirkman said. “As the assistant coach last year, I was able to build a strong relationship with the team, and I know the potential that is there. I’ve stayed in touch with the girls over the summer and I know they have been working hard in preparing for this upcoming season.”
Last season we were young, with up to five freshmen on the floor at a time. However, this helped us gain some experience and with a strong group of returners, paired with four very talented additions, we are looking forward to and have high hopes for this season.”
A 2004 HHS graduate, Kirkman began her coaching career at Raymondville Schools before becoming the head coach at Eldon High School. She then joined Knight’s staff as an assistant.
Kirkman has a four-year-old son, Daxon, and is married to fellow HHS graduate Dustin Kirkman.