The Sweet Home High School, and community, will be seeing a new coach at the helm of the Volleyball Team.
Katie Dargis steps into the head coach position, bringing her experience in volleyball and education to the team. Dargis, who was born in Susanville California, moved around before ending up in Klamath Falls prior to junior high. She then played volleyball throughout middle school, later playing in high school at Henley High School. According to Dargis, during her junior year the team placed eighth in the state tournament and during her senior year, they secured second place. Dargis played as a starter in the front row and also contributed in the back row.
“It was a successful program I was a part of,” Dargis said.
Despite her achievements, Dargis chose not to continue playing volleyball in college, focusing instead on her education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Oregon University, specializing in elementary and middle-level education. After graduation, she taught fourth and seventh grades in the Oakland School District.
Dargis and her husband, Josh Dargis, later moved to Sweet Home where her husband took a job at Oak Heights Elementary School. Dargis chose after moving to have kids. She balanced raising her children with part-time work doing child care, subbing and helping students in online schools.
Her involvement in volleyball continued when her son, then in third grade, expressed interest in the sport. Dargis began coaching him and later coached her daughter as well.
“I just kept coming back because it was enjoyable,” she said.
Last year, when the local volleyball club needed a coach, Dargis took on the role. This opportunity eventually led her to the head coach position at Sweet Home High School.
Dargis is aware of the strong foundation left by former coach Mary Hutchins.
“I knew I was walking into something that was already set up for success,” she said. “You need someone who cares and is willing to put in the extra time and energy. A lot of people don’t have that time because they’re working full-time and stretched thin.”
With support from her husband, Dargis observed the team last season and decided it was something she wanted to be involved in. She currently works for Western Oregon University, supervising teacher candidates, reviewing lesson plans, and conducting observations. Which gives her enough time to also coach. As the new head coach, she aims to help the team succeed both on the court and in developing important life skills.
“I want my players to want to come back every day, to keep playing and keep getting better,” she said. “I want them to work hard and do better. I want to win some games. It would be great if we could make it to the playoffs.”
Athletic Director Dan Tow stated how excited he was for Dargis to take this position. Along with attributing the large number of girls who signed up to Dargis’ organization, Tow mentioned how much hard work Dargis has put in.
“I think she’s doing a good job,” Tow said. “I’m excited for the season and for the girls to get started.