Campbell ready to take control of the Flyers

Megan Campbell doesn't graduate from college until May, but she is already taking over one of the most dominant volleyball programs in the state of Ohio.

Campbell was formally hired as head coach at Marion Local on Monday night during the district's board of education meeting. She will also teach math at the high school. Campbell takes over for Amy Steininger, who stepped down in January after 258 wins and five state titles in 11 seasons.

"It's such a blessing and a great opportunity," said Campbell. "They are the best team in Division IV, maybe in all the divisions. They've always (had) a great tradition there."

Campbell didn't have to do much research on the Flyers or the Midwest Athletic Conference. As a former standout at MAC rival Versailles, Campbell faced the Flyers all four of her seasons. Campbell was a two-time First Team All-MAC selection and the Player of the Year in 2009

"The MAC is a great athletic conference. They've always been good in sports, especially in volleyball," said Campbell. "This season, Marion and Versailles won state titles (in volleyball). It's such an honor to be coaching in this league."

Campbell is wrapping up her education at the University of Dayton, where she was a standout on the volleyball team, earning first team All-Atlantic 10 Conference honors her final three years in the program and twice earning All-America honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association

In meeting with the players last week, Campbell was happy to see a strong turnout.

"It was nice to get to know everybody, get myself introduced and become familiar to that area," said Campbell. "A lot of the names are familiar because it is a small town. It was great seeing that many girls interested in playing a sport that you love and make an effort to come out and know about. Means a lot of the program. I'm looking forward to getting together and working with them and teach them what I know. I feel I have a lot to share."

When it comes to philosophy, Campbell won't need to change much when coaching the Flyers.

"They already have a great tradition established there and hold themselves to high standards," said Campbell. "We'll continue that. I want to hold the girls accountable to themselves and still want them to fall in love with the game. I hope to continue with the tradition to excellence and keep building on their success."