By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Chief Editor

NORTH SHELBY – A new volleyball coach has been appointed at Briarwood Christian School after former coach Hannah Josey stepped down at the end of last season to be with her family, including a newborn baby.

On Wednesday, Feb. 23, the school announced that Luann Causey would take over as BCS’s head volleyball coach, and she’s no stranger to the program.

Causey has been on the school and coaching staff since 2015, except for a two-year hiatus.

From 2015 to 2019 and 2021 to present, Causey has spent time as a teacher and coach for the junior varsity and freshman volleyball teams.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to serve BCS in this position,” she said after being announced as the new head coach. “Volleyball has always been a big part of my life and I love the sport. I look forward to leading and sharing the sport that ultimately changed my life. Hard work is honorable and noble, and that being said, I can’t wait to get started with these young women.

Briarwood athletic director Jay Mathews says he’s excited about what she can bring to the table for several reasons.

“We’re always looking for people who can help us improve in all of our programs,” Mathews said. “Coach Causey has already demonstrated in countless ways that she is going to help us improve in the weight room, in the classroom, in the movie theater and on the field. I am so excited for her opportunity to help our athletes women to improve as competitors in a way that glorifies Christ.

After a successful high school career with a team that finished its senior season ranked fifth nationally, Causey earned a scholarship to play volleyball at Troy University.

During her tenure at Troy, she became the program’s all-time assist leader, a record she continues to hold to this day.

Luann was also recognized as an Academic All-American, was named to multiple All-Conference teams, earned numerous Player of the Week recognitions, and was part of multiple conference championships throughout her college career.

She has coached volleyball at all levels, from middle school through elementary school, as well as for several club teams over the past 25 years.

Causey is married to Tracey Causey and they have triplet daughters, Emory, Ellison (Ellie) and Elizabeth (Lizzie), who are in 8th grade at Briarwood this year. The Causeys are members of Valleydale Baptist Church.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Causey as our next head volleyball coach at Briarwood,” said Briarwood Director of Women’s Athletics Sara Wilson. “She checks all the training boxes with her abilities both on and off the court, but most importantly she will serve as an outstanding Christian role model for our athletes. She has already made a huge impression on the volleyball program this year. , and we are excited to see her continue to raise the bar in the years to come. She will keep her athletes at the highest level, and I believe we will see our program reach new heights in no time.”