After two successful years as the head coach of the Lake Highlands volleyball team, coach Melissa Crown has resigned and a new coach has stepped in after several weeks of searching and interviewing. Lake Highlands Today reports that Hebron High School's Michele Massey, who was formerly the assistant volleyball coach for the Lady Hawks. 

Massey will have some big shoes to fill; in her two years at Lake Highlands, Crown led her teams to consecutive District 9-5A titles and deep playoff runs both years. However, she was forced to resign due to her husband's recent job transfer to Europe.

Lake Highlands athletic director Scott Smith said, "We are very pleased with where Coach Crown took the program. She not only maintained what was already a strong program but was consistent in her approach and build on the legacy that is Lake Highlands volleyball."

Massey's volleyball teams were no slouches themselves, though. In 2010, Hebron won the 5A state title. Massey herself has been playing volleyball since high school. She was an all-state setter for all four years at Putnam City High School and helped Mid-American University win a national championship while also being named tournament MVP.

Smith said, "Coach Massey brings a lot to the table. She has a lot to offer not only the girls in the volleyball program but Lake Highlands High School and the Lake Highlands community. The success of the volleyball program attracted a lot of good candidates, so it was a long process but we're excited to have Coach Massey on board."

Massey already has high expectations of her new team.

"The biggest thing we stressed at Hebron was the work ethic. It's not only about skills on the court but teamwork and life skills. All our efforts to develop the young talent at Hebron culminated in a state championship last year. We obviously hope to have similar success here at Lake Highlands."