Berkeley County School District is excited to share that Jay Watterworth, Head Volleyball coach for Philip Simmons High’s girls volleyball program, has just been recognized by the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association as the Volleyball Coach of the Year in any classification.
Watterworth was named the school’s head volleyball coach in 2017 and is in his ninth year working with the Iron Horses. Watterworth attended North Greenville University, where he became involved in intramural volleyball. After graduating, Watterworth returned to Charleston and began his teaching career at his alma mater, Goose Creek High School, where he was named Head Varsity Coach in 2007.
News of Watterworth’s recognition comes at the tail end of what was a monumental season for the Philip Simmons High girls volleyball program. The team made school history in November when the group clinched the school’s first-ever state title in volleyball. The girls won the State Championship with a 3-0 sweep in the 2A finals against Landrum, capping a 38-5 season under Watterworth and Assistant Coach Kate Sablotsky. The victory marked the first BCSD volleyball title since 1987. The school celebrated with the girls taking a victory lap through the building, joined by the school’s drumline. The team was also recognized at the Nov. 17 Berkeley County School District Board of Education Meeting.
Additionally, three students were named all-state players by the South Carolina Association of Women’s Sports: juniors McRae Stephenson and Dani Gehringer, and sophomore Gabby Kakalev. Philip Simmons High had the most selections in the area. Stephenson was also named the Region 6 AA Player of the Year.
Seniors Sophia Pheney and Maddy Meloeny were selected to take part in the North-South Volleyball All-Star game in November. Pheney recently signed on to play women’s volleyball at Presbyterian College; this is Philip Simmons High’s girls volleyball program’s first Division 1-level commitment.
Watterworth called it “a perfect storm of a season.”
“It’s a really cool honor, and I think it reiterates the kind of season that we had,” Watterworth said. “I think any coach would agree that when you get recognized by something like this, you had a great group behind you that helped propel you there.”
Philip Simmons High Athletic Director Daniel Minkin said Watterworth continues to show what it means to lead with heart and purpose every year.
“Our athletes carry his passion onto the court every day,” he said. “This award only highlights what the Philip Simmons family has known all along.”