Newly appointed Clarke Central High School head varsity volleyball coach Logan Horne stands in the CCHS Competition Gym on Jan. 29. After growing up in Montgomery, Ala., Horne relocated to Athens and was drawn to the CCHS community, which motivated her to apply for the head coaching position. “The community that I’ve seen (in the) little time that I’ve been in Athens full-time, there’s something truly special about CCHS,” Horne said. “It seems like a family, and it was something that I wanted to be a part of.” Photo by Cooper Jones
Former Alabama State University volleyball player Logan Horne was named the CCHS head varsity volleyball coach for the 2026-27 season on Jan. 29.
Clarke Central High School Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward announced that Logan Horne will be taking on the role of CCHS head varsity volleyball coach on Jan. 29.
Horne, who graduated from Alabama State University in December 2025, has been involved with volleyball since childhood, going on to play and assistant coach at the Division I collegiate level. Horne was one of five applicants who expressed interest in the head varsity volleyball coaching job for the 2026-27 season.
“(CCHS Assistant Athletic Director Dr. Chris Aiken and I) went through the applications, and going through that process, Horne jumped out with her experience playing at the college level,” Ward said. “ So, we brought her in and interviewed her, and it feels like a good fit. I’m excited about the opportunity.”
Horne will be taking over for former CCHS head varsity volleyball coach Stacey Scott, who was relieved of her duties, resulting in the position opening up in December 2025. Horne hopes that her competitive attitude will bring the volleyball program success after finishing the 2025-26 season with a Georgia High School Association Region 8-AAAAA record of 0-11.
Clarke Central High School 2025-26 volleyball players Charlotte York, Naomi Benavides, Iayah Edwards, Emma Starnes, Taylor McMaster and Mady Nixon (from left to right) pose at the ODYSSEY Media Group’s 2025 Fall Media Day on Aug. 23, 2025. Starnes, who will be a senior during the 2026-27 season, expressed excitement about the hiring of new CCHS head volleyball coach Logan Horne, which was announced to players on Jan. 29. “I’m hoping that as a team we can grow together on and off the court, and I hope we are able to learn more from (Horne),” Starnes said. “Volleyball, as a sport, is also so overlooked at our school, so I hope to make it more popular and have more of a crowd at the games.” Photo by Illiana Tejada
“My coaching style (is) super competitive. Volleyball is a beautiful game. It’s such a strategic game, and I love diving into the strategy of the game while I’m coaching, as well,” Horne said. “When I’m coaching, I’m not just building good athletes, I’m also building good people.”
After the uncertainty of the coaching staff turnover, CCHS varsity volleyball defensive specialist Emma Starnes, a junior, is optimistic about her senior season under Horne.
“I was worried at first, not knowing who was going to be hired, but after meeting our new coach, she seems like a great fit,” Starnes said. “She said she was super competitive, and we definitely needed somebody like her. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the next season goes.”
“When I’m coaching, I’m not just building good athletes, I’m also building good people.”
— Logan Horne,
CCHS head varsity volleyball coach
As the 2026-27 season approaches, Horne hopes to build a relationship with the team and support each player.
“You (are) only in high school for four years, and as someone that (the players) look up to, it’s important that they have great experiences,” Horne said. “ So, my passion for them, but also passion for this sport, are my greatest assets). I’m excited to get started.”
