Taryn Campbell, previously the head junior varsity and assistant varsity volleyball coach at St. Francis Catholic High School, has been elevated to the position of head volleyball coach, Athletics Director Ryan Chisolm announced Monday. Her appointment comes as the result of a full search, and takes effect immediately.

Campbell replaces her mother, Alynn Wright, who retired after a decorated career at the Troubadour helm. The opportunity to take over the program literally fulfills a dream that dates back to Campbell’s childhood, she said. “My mom coached for 35 years, I think I started at 14 months old, running around the gym. So it has always been the dream that I would take over. My mom and I always talked about that possibility. So I’m excited to actually have that reality happen, and that my hard work paid off for this.”

Her family connection notwithstanding, Campbell is certainly no stranger to the SF volleyball program, having led the Troubies to the CIF state championship as a junior in 2005, then a school-record 41 wins as a senior. She went on to earn three All-Big Sky Conference awards at the University of Montana, finishing among the all-time Griz career leaders in assists (3,882) and aces (148).

Campbell’s coaching career began as a student assistant at Montana, and included a stop at Nevada as a volunteer assistant (2011) and director of volleyball operations (2012-13). She also coached club ball for Northern Nevada Juniors VBC before returning to the Sacramento area. Campbell joined the staff at her alma mater, and has since guided the JV squad to a 255-13 record in nine seasons.

Campbell also serves as a fourth-grade teacher at Our Lady of the Assumption School, and continues to coach club ball for Omni VBC.  

The coaching transition also coincides with the area’s league realignment. Campbell’s inaugural season will be St. Francis volleyball’s first as a member of the Sierra Foothill League. Along with Davis, the Troubadours join a powerhouse conference that already comprises Del Oro, Folsom, Granite Bay, Oak Ridge, Rocklin and Whitney. This change impacts the outward-facing expectations, such as wins and losses. However, it reshapes the internal structure of the program. For example, sophomores will now vie for roster spots on all three levels, now that the frosh program will become frosh-soph.

“It’s definitely exciting,” Campbell said, of the move to the SFL. “It’s definitely going to be a challenge every single match. It will be more competitive, not only in our gym, but also in matches. I think it will make us better in the long run, but day in and day out, it will be a grind. There is no break in the schedule.”

For Campbell, one of her main objectives is to encourage the SF student-athletes to honor the legacy of her mother and coaching predecessor. “I want to continue the traditions that we’ve built here for so many years, and to continue the competitiveness, especially in the new league that we’re going into. I’m just looking forward to starting a new chapter and taking over what my mom built for so many years, because she built such a great program.”

Wright’s 35-year career included the 2005 state championship, two Northern California titles, 13 Sac-Joaquin Section banners, induction to three different halls of fame, and Coach of the Year accolades from entities ranging from the Sacramento Bee to the Women’s Sports Foundation. St. Francis varsity finished 25-9 overall, won the Delta League championship at 11-1, and advanced a round in the Sac-Joaquin Section championship tournament last fall.