WILSON, N.C. – The Barton College Division of Athletics has announced the hiring of
Riley Casner as its new Head Women's Volleyball Coach. Casner takes over for Jeff Lennox, who stepped down after a decade at the helm this past November.
Casner, a 2019 graduate of Barton College, is currently a Special Education Teacher at Topsail High School in Hampstead, N.C., and served as the school's head women's volleyball coach this past fall. Casner also coached and taught at James B. Hunt High School in Wilson, N.C. Casner officially starts on February 1, 2023.
Riley Casner, formerly Riley Bane, played five seasons (2014-18) and was a four-year starter on the Bulldogs' women's volleyball team and was one of the best players on the squad during her time at Barton.
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I am so happy to be back in Wilson (N.C.) and at Barton College," said Casner. "
I am honored to follow in the steps of my former coach, Jeff Lennox, and lead the women's volleyball program. I would like to thank Todd Wilkinson (Barton Director of Athletics) and the Division of Athletics for the opportunity to serve Barton College the way I was served as a student-athlete."
Casner, a team captain, was part of the 2016 and 2017 Conference Carolinas Regular Season and Tournament Championship squads and a pair of teams which earned berths to the NCAA Division II Playoffs (2016 and 2017). On the Bulldogs' career lists, Casner ranks second in digs (1,674) and fourth in service aces (140).
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I am excited Riley Casner will be the next leader of women's volleyball," said Wilkinson. "
Riley was one of the best to ever play at Barton and brings a deep passion for the sport and love of Barton College. She has exceptional leadership attributes and will be a tremendous mentor for the players. She has a servant heart of gold. Bulldog women's volleyball is in great hands with Coach Casner."
Casner, who earned her bachelor's degree in special education (K-12) with minors in Honors Program and psychology, won the prestigious Gary W. Hall Excellence in Athletics Award in 2018 and was a Leader of Distinction as part of the Jeff Jansen Leadership Academy. In addition, Casner was named the Hemby Leadership Cup Outstanding Graduating Senior and was part of both the school's President's and Dean's Lists. Casner is also a graduate of Ralph L. Fike High School.
