Ark Valley News - New coach ready for court and classroom

New coach ready for court and classroom
By Randy Fisher
Last Updated: August 23, 2018

As it has done for the past several years, the Valley Center High School volleyball team will open its season Aug. 25 in the annual Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Preseason Tournament in Hutchinson. When the first ball is served, a new coach will be calling the shots for the Hornets.

After seven successful seasons at Rose Hill High School, Melissa Segovia became the 11th volleyball coach in Valley Center history in March. Her time at Rose Hill was productive, as she compiled a record of 235 wins and 65 losses (78 percent).

As head coach, she led the Rockets to the Class 4A state tournament six times. They are the two-time defending state champions, going a combined 79-10 the last two years. The Rockets also finished fourth in 2013 and third in 2012.

"It's amazing; just amazing," Segovia said of Rose Hill's success. "I've been so blessed with players that have been able to benefit in the program. Everyone has really bought into the program. Also parents just really buying in, supportive of their player and everybody else."

Segovia has become familiar with Valley Center volleyball during her 13-year career at Rose Hill.

"I've always heard really, really good things about Valley Center," she said. "Rose Hill has played in the Valley Center volleyball tournament almost every year I've been there. Just really nice facilities."

But volleyball isn't the only thing that made this position attractive to Segovia, the science teacher.

"It's a great opportunity to teach upper-level classes," she said. "I have a passion for that."

When asked what she thinks will be her biggest challenge at Valley Center, she replied, "The people getting to know me and understanding what I'm about."

"Players, parents, fans, everybody," she said. "All the components that go into something that's going to work in our favor."