BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Martin County Cardinals will see a new head coach on the sideline this upcoming season at the high school. A 2013 Sheldon Clark graduate, Katie (White) Patrick will take over for volleyball.

Patrick is a current resident of Pilgrim. She played high school volleyball for four years at Sheldon Clark and was extremely active on the court. Her talent helped her receive a scholarship to the University of Pikeville, where she played for three years while working towards her B.S. in English.

In her final year at UPike, she coached the former Ambassador Christian Academy in Williamson, W.Va. She also coached for one season at Martin County Middle School.

Patrick has named Tori Gauze as an assistant coach.

Gauze is currently a teacher at Eden Elementary School. She previously taught at Fallsburg Elementary and is a graduate of Asbury University. Gauze is a former teammate of Patrick’s from the 2012-2013 season.

“I’m excited to work with her (Katie) and the team,” Gauze said. “She was and still is an amazing volleyball player. One of the best things about teaching and coaching is that you’re constantly growing and learning alongside your students and team.”

Patrick is already preparing for the upcoming season.

“I am looking forward to getting started with this group of young ladies,” Patrick said. “We will have a predominantly young team this year, the majority of which are freshmen and sophomores.”

Patrick is thrilled with what she has seen thus far.

“Our athletes are demonstrating the enthusiasm, natural athleticism, and foundational knowledge crucial to making great strides this season,” said the coach.

Patrick will be hosting open gym during June leading up to the KHSAA dead period. Official tryouts are scheduled for June 24 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Patrick is planning an alumni game and “Cardinal Classic” tournament for this fall.