BY BRIAN GOSSET
X – @gosset41
X – @gmsportsmedia1
========================
Former Kennedale all-state setter Jodi Dixon was named head coach for Burleson Centennial. It’s Dixon’s first head coaching position. Dixon served as an assistant coach with Weatherford and Lake Worth.
Centennial is coming off its best season in program history with a 36-9 record and 14-0 undefeated district championship. After a 12-32 record in 2022, the Spartans hired Stephanie Smith from Fort Worth Eastern Hills to lead the Spartans. In two seasons, Smith led Centennial to back-to-back 30-win seasons, going 66-26 overall and 29-1 in district with two district titles.
The Spartans defeated Fort Worth Arlington Heights in the bi-district championship last season, but the year ended in a 4-set loss against Colleyville Heritage.
Smith went on to Duncanville over the off-season.
Dixon graduated from Kennedale HS in 2017 – playing 125 sets as a senior. Dixon produced 428 assists, 155 digs and 54 aces. That year, the Wildcats went 25-18 and were district champs at 11-1. Dixon played at Southeastern Oklahoma State, where she played in 134 career sets – with over 700 assists and 230 digs.
Said Dixon, “What I love most about coaching is the chance to build strong, meaningful relationships with my athletes and create lasting memories – both on and off the court. I believe in the power of teamwork, dedication, and a positive mindset, and I’m eager to bring that energy to the Centennial volleyball program.”
Centennial also hired Victoria Utley as an assistant.
Utley spent the past 17 years coaching club volleyball and was an All-American player at Dallas Baptist.
