Natalie Puckett hired to be Lovejoy head volleyball coach
LUCAS, Texas (BVM) — Led by Ryan Mitchell this past season, the Lovejoy High School volleyball team won its eighth state championship. Now heading into the 2021 season, the Leopards will be under new leadership.
On June 8, it was announced that four-time all-state outside hitter Natalie Puckett would be taking over for Mitchell. Puckett played for Mitchell and won state titles in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Prime Time Teacher and Coach! https://t.co/fFwFHbMRpO
— Kyle Herrema (@HerremaKyle) April 8, 2021
“We are excited to announce one of our own as the new Head Coach for our Lovejoy Volleyball program,” Lovejoy ISD Athletic Director Chris Ross said in a press release. “Natalie was a player, captain, and state champion during her time as a student at Lovejoy High School. As a Coach, she was a key contributor to our 2020 state championship run. Her unique experiences with outstanding programs, as well as her strong ties to Lovejoy, make her the perfect person to lead our program.”
Mitchell leaves behind a legacy at Lovejoy with an overall record of 354-40 and seven state titles. He also led the Leopards to become the first-ever University Interscholastic League (UIL) team to finish a season undefeated (26-0). He’ll now be the head volleyball coach at Plano Prestonwood Christian in 2021.
But everything is looking up for Lovejoy. The program is coming off an undefeated season, they’re state champions and the school hired someone who knows what it takes to have success there.
It’s an exciting time for the school and Puckett and there’s nowhere to go but up from here.
