PICKENS — Pickens High School officials announced this week that Rikki Owens will be the school’s new head girls’ basketball coach.

Owens, who also took the reins of the powerhouse Blue Flame volleyball program last season, “has a passion for women’s athletics and young people,” according to a news release from the school.

A special education teacher at Pickens Middle School, Owens graduated with honors from Easley High School, where she lettered in volleyball, basketball and softball. On the hardwood, Owens starred as a four-year letterman under Easley High School Athletic Hall of Fame coach Steve Beasley.

In her first season in charge of the Pickens volleyball program, Owens led the Lady Blue Flame to an Upperstate championship and an appearance in the Class 4A state championship game. Owens has also served as coach of the Pickens Middle School girls’ basketball team.

“Rikki has a passion for women’s sports,” PHS athletic director Chad Smith said. “She is a fantastic ball coach that makes everyone around her better. She truly fulfills our PHS athletic motto, which is ‘As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another.’

“I am very excited about Rikki’s vision for our basketball program here at PHS as well as her vision for women’s athletics overall.”

Owens will replace longtime Pickens girls’ basketball coach Butch Morris, who has been promoted toassistant principal at Pickens Middle School.

A player and parent meeting is planned for 6 p.m. this Thursday, March 29, in the PHS cafeteria to meet with Owens.