Two prime architects of Logan County’s historic, dominant volleyball program are returning to lead the Lady Cougars again.
Steven Lyne, a 1988 graduate of LCHS where he was the number one tennis player, has been named head coach of the Lady Cougars, a position he held officially from 2011-2018.
Returning with him is his long-time assistant, Rob Imlay, who was with the team from its inception in 1999. They were there from the beginning, officially assisting Tina Baker, who was listed as head coach. Baker was a certified member of the teaching staff in Logan County. Lyne and Imlay had jobs outside of education. Coach Baker willingly took their suggestions, and they worked well together. Baker went on to be the first coach of a second athletic program at LCHS, archery.
Lyne officially became head coach in 2011 and stayed in that role through 2018.
The ultra-successful volleyball program in the five middle schools in the system was the brainchild of Lyne and Imlay. It has been a great feeder program for the high school team.
Imlay’s brother James has been an integral part of LCHS volleyball for decades. He stayed with the Lady Cougars under new coach Caleb Sheffield while his brother and Lyne were coaching Todd Central volleyball the last six seasons.
During the time that Steve Lyne was at the top of Lady Cougar volleyball, the team had a record of 216-90. They won the region twice and won matches at state both times. He was named Fourth Region Coach of the Year in 2013, 2016 and 2018.
The coach that Lyne is replacing is the one who replaced him. Caleb Sheffield has kept the program on a high level, including continuing the win streak over district opponents, which has now reached 22 years. In fact, Logan has lost only one set to a district opponent in all those seasons. That was to a Todd Central team coached by Steven Lyne and Rob Imlay.
Sheffield’s 2023 team won the region and advanced to the second round at state.
LCHS Athletic Director Todd Adler says: “Coach Sheffield has decided to step away from coaching for the time being as he focuses on building a new gym in Bowling Green for his travel organization. Realizing he wouldn’t have the time to dedicate to both, he made the decision to step aside for now.”
Adler continues: “We’re thrilled to welcome Coach Lyne back to the program. He has been an integral part of the tradition our volleyball team has built over the past 25 years. I’m excited to work with him again, as there’s no question about his passion for the game of volleyball. He will undoubtedly provide our program and players with the best opportunity for success.”
The Logan County Athletic App says, “Welcome back, Coach! Coach Steve Lyne is the new head coach of our volleyball program. With over 25 years of coaching experience, he has played a key role in building the proud tradition of our volleyball team. We’re thrilled to see that tradition thrive under his leadership!”
The returning coaching staff will have to replace some key players from the 2024 Lady Cougars who went 20-15 and reached the regional semifinals. Most notable is Regional Player of the Year Aubrey Sears, who will play for an NCAA Power Five Conference team at the University of Houston.
Also finishing their eligibility were Chaney Barrow. Lindy Mitchell, Lydia Owens and Kambell Porter. Returning are Izabella Cron, Gabriella Gipson, Caroline Ham, Kristen Harris, Brihana Higgins, Ashley McIntosh, Emily McIntosh, Maggie Mitchell, Addison Pitts and Caroline White.
And, of course, the middle school and junior varsity program alway