By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Union City School officials have turned to a familiar face to lead the Union City High School volleyball fortunes.
Jessica Graham, the most successful coach in 12-year history of the sport at the school, will take the reins of the program for the third time after being named to succeed Jodi Powell by the UCHS Principal/Athletic Director.
Graham is the only head coach to post a winning record for her career with the Tornado team, compiling a 46-40 mark over four seasons that included two different tenures.
She was first named head coach in May of 2015 and spent three years at the helm, leading the Lady Tornadoes to their first-ever state tournament appearance in 2017 when the squad set a program record for most wins in a season with 16.
Graham then stepped in for Powell for the 2021 campaign when the latter handled family health issues and directed Union City to an 11-9 record before Powell returned the following season.
Prior to coming to Union City, she was the head coach at her alma mater (Heath, Ky., High School) for two seasons.
“I’m so excited about getting back involved with volleyball,” Graham said. “It’s always been a passion of mine, and my family and I have received a lot of support as we made this decision.
“I’m eager to get to know the kids in our program and establish relationships with them. We’re going to be involved in a lot of off-season work, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Cross knows the program will be in good hands moving forward.
“We’re thrilled to have Coach Graham back,” the UCHS administrator said. “She’s been someone who’s always done whatever we’ve asked for our kids and the sport. The same things that made her an excellent candidate and a good fit for the job when we initially hired her made her the best person for the position now.
“She has some great ideas for the immediate future of the program and down the road that she’ll be implementing. We look forward to her getting started very soon.”
Former UC girls’ head basketball coach Eddie Suiter will serve as Graham’s assistant.
The new staff plans to meet with team members in the coming days.