Walsingham Academy announced Thursday that George Bottles has replaced Jennifer Wert as the Trojans’ new volleyball head coach.
Bottles, who has been a fixture in the local volleyball community for two decades, previously served as an assistant under Wert, who coached the program for last three seasons and led the Trojans to an appearance in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association state playoffs with an 11-11 record last fall.
Bottles, a CAP Level II certified coach through USA volleyball, has coached for the Williamsburg Volleyball Club since 1999 and held numerous assistant positions along the Peninsula. His three children — John, Christine and Michelle — were all standouts on their high school and club teams. John and Christine both went on to play at the collegiate level.
In addition to being a member of the Virginia High School Coaches Association, Bottles, who previously played for USA Volleyball at the adult level, also serves as mentor coach for the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
“He is fantastic teacher and coach with a tremendous amount of experience and success in the sport,” Athletic Director Neil Bailey said. “He will take over a very talented program, and we are fortunate to have his leadership.”
Walsingham’s program has a competitive history; the Trojans won back-to-back state titles in 2005 and 2006. Bottles should have pieces from last season’s team to build on: Among the returners are senior Emma Schellpeper, who was an all-state second team selection last year.
“Walsingham has a longstanding tradition of producing outstanding young citizens, and I’m looking forward to contributing to that effort as Walsingham’s volleyball coach,” Bottles said. “Team sports are a wonderful avenue to teach life lessons, and I count myself fortunate to have this opportunity.”
