Spain Park welcomes Bowen as volleyball coach

In 2007, she concluded her high school career with an Alabama state record of 2,697 career kills. In 2012, she took Saint James School to the AHSAA Class 4A Elite Eight, and in 2013 her Trojans reached the state semifinals.

Now, Kellye Bowen will become the head volleyball coach at Spain Park High School.

Bowen, who played college volleyball at Mississippi State after an illustrious career at Curry High School, will take over a Jaguars squad that hasn’t been to a state tournament in school history.

“Obviously, the ultimate goal is [to win] a state championship,” Bowen said. “The next couple of seasons we’re going to work on being competitive and competing every game.”

Bowen, then Kellye Jordan, led Curry to the 5A Final Four as a senior outside hitter, earning all-state honors in softball and basketball as well as volleyball.

In 2012 she married Ricky Bowen, a former Mississippi State and minor league pitcher. The next fall, her Saint James team fell in four sets against Jacksonville, who would go on win the state title. The Trojans took the Golden Eagles past 25 points in two different sets, including a 26-28 loss in the final set.

Bowen is taking over a Spain Park team previously coached by Paula Dill, another Curry product. Bowen said she is ready to make the leap to a 7A volleyball team.

“I’m incredibly excited,” she said. “It’s the highest level of competition. I thrive on that kind of competition.”

Athletic Director Patrick Kellogg introduced Bowen to members of the Spain Park volleyball team and their parents on June 12. He said she will teach physical education in addition to her coaching duties.

“I said I was going to find you the best,” Kellogg told the players and parents. “Everyone I talked to gave me one name. I’m excited to welcome Kellye Bowen as the new head coach for Spain Park volleyball.”