SPARTANBURG, S.C. –  Tonya Wright-Stone was recently hired to coach the Lady Pioneers Volleyball Team beginning with the 2006-2007 season.

Wright-Stone has coached at Landrum High School and Junior High School, Lockhart High School, and Fairforest Middle School. She was also a member of the volleyball, basketball and softball teams at USC Upstate. Wright-Stone sees herself as a motivator who wants her players to excel and aspire not only to a national championship, but to be motivated about life in general.

Wright-Stone recently began scrimmages and has already seen potential as well as a willingness among the players to adjust to her coaching style. She is impressed by their teamwork and ability to communicate with one another.

 “I want to teach the true fundamentals of volleyball,” said Wright-Stone. “Volleyball in the South is pretty much a power game, but there is a whole element beyond that.”  She is confident about coaching on the college level and looks forward to helping her team increase their skill level.

A Pastoral Family Counselor at Evangel Cathedral, Wright-Stone says her faith plays a major role in who she is, including her approach to coaching.

Wright-Stone earned a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education at USC Upstate, a M.Ed. in Special Education from Converse College, and a M.Ed. in Counseling from Clemson University.

She and her husband, Stacy Stone, reside in Boiling Springs with their children: Justin, 15, Jordan, 11, and Nina, 8.