GALLATIN, TN—The volleyball program at Welch College is undergoing changes in leadership, according to Athletic Director Greg Fawbush. Ashley Lockert has resigned as head volleyball coach and will be replaced by Abigail Warren.
Lockert was a former player for the Lady Flames volleyball team and has been the coach for the past four seasons. The distance to the new campus and the extra time away from her family were contributing factors in her decision.
“The Flames volleyball program has shown great improvement under Coach Lockert’s leadership,” Fawbush said. Her first year, the team went 1-14 and then 3-15 the following year. The past two seasons, the teams’ records have improved greatly going 12-16, and finishing this year 14-12. This past year, the team went back into NCCAA regional play and made the top fifteen power rankings. Lockert also had two players that made the all-regional team. The volleyball program has had seven scholar athletes in the past four seasons.
“Coach Lockert has shown great dedication, not only to Welch College, but also to the young ladies that she has mentored. She has instilled a work ethic into the program that will be the foundation for the future,” stated Fawbush. “Under Coach Lockert’s tenure, the volleyball team became a respected volleyball program in the Mid-West region of the NCCAA.”
Abigail Warren has been named the new head coach of the Lady Flames volleyball team. A graduate of John Brown University, Warren spent two years as a missionary/teacher at Faith Academy in Manila, Philippines. She earned her teaching degree from Welch in December 2017.
“Coach Warren was an exceptional basketball and volleyball player in high school,” Fawbush said. “She was also offered a full-ride volleyball scholarship to Mineral Area College. After one year, she transferred to John Brown University where she was given a full basketball scholarship. As a player, she was awarded the Christian Character and Scholar Athlete awards. While serving at Faith Academy, she coached their volleyball team. She has also been a volleyball referee on several levels.” Warren currently serves in the athletic department at Hendersonville Christian Academy as a coach and aids in high school weight training.
“It will be exciting to see Coach Warren’s vision implemented in the volleyball program at Welch College,” Fawbush continued.” I believe she strongly embodies the three core values of commitment, character, and competition of Welch College athletics.”