HS Volleyball: A new era begins at Greenbrier East

Greenbrier East graduate Dawn McClure takes over as head coach of the Spartans

As Greenbrier East heads into the 2025 volleyball season, the key word for the Lady Spartans is change.

Graduation departures of two heavy hitters and a back row stalwart, along with longtime head coach Matt Sauvage stepping down have created an entirely new landscape in Fairlea.

Although the cupboard has been raided somewhat, newly appointed head coach Dawn McClure is not about to push the panic mode.

McClure was a Spartan volleyballer herself before playing in college. Prior to taking the high school job, McClure coached most of her team at Eastern Greenbrier Middle School.

Four seniors will anchor the squad, including her daughter Mackenna McClure. Mackenna led the Spartans in assists last year, but she will also spend some time up front as a hitter.

Senior Regan Rink was also strong at the net last year and will patrol the middle for East. Sophomores Emmy McHale and Paige Totten will step into a more prominent varsity role to flank Rink.

Reagan Cline will anchor the back row and Sydney Norman will do work as a setter.

Greenbrier East will compete in Class AAA Region 3 (nine teams) this year and will stack up against volleyball powers Shady Spring and Herbert Hoover for a trip to the State Volleyball Tournament.

McClure talked about stepping up to the high school level and the upcoming season.