Owen to coach LC volleyball

Home beckons. That’s why Jenny Owen is willing to give up one of the best high school coaching jobs in Washington.

The 1996 Lake City High graduate was chosen to replace her mentor at LC during interviews Thursday. Her hiring must be approved by the school board at the next board meeting, LC athletic director Jim Winger said.

Owen was one of three finalists. Cynthia Beyer of Spirit Lake and Krista Panerio, former head coach at Ellensburg, also were interviewed.

Owen has been the head coach the past two years at Kentlake High in Kent. She was named head coach after the school had won three consecutive 4A state titles.

She leaves a team that is expected to challenge for a state title next year.

“I need to make a life choice,” Owen explained. “I always knew I’d come back home. I have an opportunity to do that. It’s not something I’ve been waiting for, but I know it’s something I can’t pass up.”

Winger is overjoyed to land a coach of Owen’s caliber.

“(Coaching) is in her genes, for goodness sakes,” said Winger, alluding to the fact that Owen is the oldest child of former North Idaho College wrestling coach John Owen. “She’s a great fit for us. She brings a ton of energy and a ton of enthusiasm. In her own words she’s a workaholic. We’re certainly very fortunate to get her.”

Owen replaces Kent Scanlon, LC’s coach since the school opened in 1994. Owen played one year for Scanlon at Coeur d’Alene and two at LC.

She takes over for a coach who finished his career with 499 victories.

Owen, who estimated she’d be taking a $6,000 cut in teaching and coaching salary to go to LC, isn’t sure when she’ll move to CdA. She has many loose ends to tie up at Kentlake, where she’s currently coaching a club team.