With the 2022 Blackburn Volleyball season just around the corner, two new coaches are looking to make a strong impression on the program.
Former Blackburn players Marlee Kirby and Lucy Magnussen have been added to the coaching staff over the summer. Marlee Kirby, wife of head basketball coach Austin Kirby, has taken the role of head coach of the volleyball team. Kirby brings extensive defensive experience to the program. A former player, Kirby holds the all-time record for career digs, finishing with 1,369 in her career. Kirby also holds the record for most digs in a single season, with an astounding 523 in her 2015 season. After graduating from Blackburn in 2017, Kirby pursued a master's degree at Western Illinois University. She then began her coaching career at North Mac High School, where she had a final record of 59-39 as head coach prior to being hired as Blackburn's head coach.
"I'm very excited to see our girls finally get out on the court for their first game," Kirby said. "They have been working hard during the preseason, and tomorrow we'll finally get to see them in a real game for the first time."
Alongside Kirby is the program's new assistant coach, Lucy Magnussen. Magnussen, like Kirby, is a former player for Blackburn. She graduated in May 2022, and returned to Carlinville after the summer to begin her coaching career for her alma mater.
Contrary to Kirby, Magnussen brings exceptional offensive knowledge to the team. As a player, Magnussen shattered the all-time kill record in her senior season. Previously being 638, Magnussen finished her career with 727 kills. Not only did she achieve this milestone during her career, she also led her former team in several statistical categories during individual seasons. In her 2019 season as a sophomore, Magnussen finished with 219 kills on the season, leading the team. In her 2021 senior season, Magnussen compiled an impressive set of stats to end the season, finishing with 226 kills, 86 solo blocks, and 30 aces. She led her team in each of these statistics.
"The girls have been working non-stop these past few weeks. I think our offense and defense are both solid, so I'm hoping we come out with a win on Thursday," said Magnussen. "Working with Marlee is amazing, especially since we both played for Blackburn. I'm so excited to see how our girls play this season."
After a trio-scrimmage at Illinois College this past weekend, the team looks ready to take the court on Thursday. The Beavers will host Harris-Stowe University for their first match of the season. The match is set to begin at 7:00 p.m., at Dawes Gymnasium in Carlinville, Illinois.
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