Former Lady Eagle Stepp Named Head Volleyball Coach at Jefferson County

BY DARREN REESE
Standard Banner Sports

DANDRIDGE – Energetic, competitive, hard-working and tough. Those are words that Carson-Newman head coach Shannon Mincey uses to describe former player Salem Stepp.

Now Stepp will try to interject some of those same characteristics into the Jefferson County High School volleyball program.

Stepp was recently named the new head coach of the Lady Patriots, taking over for Holly Drinnon, who stepped down after last season.

"I'm here to win," said Stepp, a Morristown West and Carson-Newman graduate.

"It may take a little bit, but I hope to bring a fresh approach and fresh outlook that the girls can relate to."

Drinnon's ninth and final season at the helm proved to be the best for the Lady Patriots as they finished second in the 2009 District 2-AAA tournament and advanced to region play for only the third time in school history (1978, 1994).

The head coaching position was open about eight months before the Jefferson County administration offered Stepp the job late last month.

"We liked the drive and passion that Salem showed in her desire to take over the program," Jefferson County athletic director Craig Kisabeth said.

"Ever since Holly resigned from the position, we've contacted several and had some interest in the job. We really feel like Salem will be able to take it to the next level."

Stepp graduated from Carson-Newman in May. She will be teaching math at the high school.

"I was looking for a middle school or high school job when this one came open," she said. "I am very fortunate to have this opportunity, and excited to get started."

Stepp knows what it takes to win in District 2.

During her last two seasons at West, she helped lead the Lady Trojans to a 44-12 overall record.

She was the district Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004, and also received All-Region and All-State honors. Stepp left West as the school's all-time leader in digs and service aces.

Stepp was a four-year contributor at Carson-Newman, helping the Lady Eagles to the South Atlantic Conference Tournament finals as a junior in 2007.

She led the team with 418 digs that season, including 50 in the tournament run. Her digs' total placed her ninth in the conference.

"With (Salem's) leadership and ability, we had one of the best seasons since I have coached at Carson-Newman," Mincey said. "Every day, she was the first to the gym to help set up the nets, and always put forth a tremendous amount of effort during practice, which garnered her a starting position for me."

"When I would have players choose teammates for a drill, Salem was always picked first (because the other players knew) she would sacrifice for her team."

Mincey believes her former pupil will be a great addition to the high school volleyball coaching ranks in East Tennessee.

"I couldn't be more excited for her to be the new head coach in our community," Mincey said. "Her players will quickly realize how much she loves competing, which will instill in them a strong work ethic.

"She will be able to take an already well-coached team and continue on and even build new tradition."