Amy McGowan
Cleveland High School has named Amy Geren McGowan as the Lady Raider volleyball head coach.
School officials said, "She comes to the job with a wealth of experience and knowledge about the game and winning. Coach McGowan was a member of the Bradley Central State Championship Volleyball teams (93 and 94), Clemson Lady Tigers basketball team (1995-1999) and became a member of the Clemson Hall of Fame in 2007.
While at Clemson, the 3-point shooting legend won a national shooting contest against NBA player Jason Terry. She also served as the volleyball coach and basketball coach at Copper Basin High School for seven years."
Amy McGowan is currently a counselor at Cleveland Middle School and coaches girls basketball. She has been the assistant coach for the Lady Raiders for eight seasons and helped lead them twice to the state tournament alongside Coach Trish Flowers. She was described as "a tough competitor who wants to prepare her student-athletes not only for a game, but for life."
Principal Autumn O’Bryan said, “It didn’t take long to determine our next head coach for CHS volleyball. Amy McGowan is a winner and brings championship energy to everything she does. We are excited for her leadership and the continued success of Lady Raider Volleyball.”
“I’ve known Coach Amy McGowan for over 20 years and our career paths have crossed on several occasions.”, said Athletic Director David Turner. “She has always been a tremendous competitor as a player and a coach. She will continue the recent success that we have experienced in the volleyball program and she will also build those meaningful relationships with our student-athletes. It is very exciting to have such an accomplished individual leading our volleyball program that has such fierce pride for our athletes and CHS”
Amy Geren McGowan is married to Scott and they have five children, three of whom are still in the Cleveland City School system.
The Lady Raider volleyball sidelines will look different this upcoming season as former CHS wrestling Coach and Athletic Director Eric Phillips will assist Coach McGowan and Coach Milsaps. Prior to his coaching duties at CHS, Phillips coached volleyball and wrestling in Georgia before moving his family to Miami. Eric was awarded the All-Area Volleyball Coach of the Year in 1997 while he led the Northwest Whitfield High School Bruins.
Principal O’Bryan said, “Bringing Eric Phillips back into the coaching ranks at CHS will be impacting for our female athletes. He has made a positive contribution to many things in our school. He is passionate and committed to Lady Raider success.”
Athletic Director Turner said, “Coach Phillips is an outstanding coach that has experienced success at the highest level. He is also one of the best teachers that I have ever observed with a passion for preparing student-athletes for personal achievement. His accomplishments and experience in coaching will translate into excellence at every level of our volleyball program.”
Eric Phillips is married to Silvia and they have two children. Chris DeBien (CHS class of 2015) is currently a wrestler at UTC and Samantha DeBien (CHS class of 2016) is currently on the MTSU soccer team.
Daniel Milsaps has been coaching for CHS for over 10 years and will remain on staff. He has coached 20 plus years in middle, high, club, and college levels. He also coached the men’s volleyball team at Bryan College.
Eric Phillips