Bradenton, Fla - Following an extensive search, Courtney Bobo-McKenzie has officially been named the head coach for the SCF Court Volleyball team.
"Courtney stood out from the beginning due to her experience in NJCAA Region 8 and her ties to Florida volleyball recruiting as a club coach," said athletic director Nick Cichielo. "She demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm partnered with a calm and decisive demeanor, which I think will translate well to the college level. I look forward to seeing how she develops in her new role."
A native of Brandon, Florida, Bobo-McKenzie joins the Manatees while also working as the head coach for the Florida Elite Volleyball Academy (FEVA) U17 and U18 teams and Sumner High School in Riverview, Florida.
"First, I want to thank Nick (Cichielo) for giving me this wonderful opportunity," said Bobo-McKenzie. "Becoming a college coach is something I have wanted since I started my coaching journey after my playing days were over. I am looking forward to working with the team to become the best student-athletes they can possibly be. We will embrace the community while also working hard to become the best team possible. With hard work and dedication, we can accomplish great things this year."
"What I'm looking forward to the most is establishing the talent that comes throughout Florida. I'm also looking for to building and growing the volleyball program."
Bobo-Mckenzie started her volleyball career at Brandon Senior High School (2006-10). After completing her senior year and graduating, she enrolled at Broward College (2010) before transferring to Palm Beach State College (2011-12) the following year where she had 23 kills, one dig and nine blocks. Following her stints with the Seahawks and Panthers, she would enroll at Benedict College (NCAA DII) in Columbia, South Carolina where during her senior year she helped the Tigers to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Tournament while finishing that year with 47 kills, eight aces, 15 digs and 22 blocks.
After Benedict College, she would enroll at the University of South Florida where she received her bachelor's degree in communications before earning her masters in Clinical Mental Health at Webster University. After earning her master's degree, Bobo-McKenzie became a school counselor for the Hillsborough County Public Schools before becoming the head coach for Sumner High School in 2020 where she helped the Stingrays to four straight district tournament appearances in the FHSAA (5A, 6A and 7A).
Bobo-McKenzie will look to build upon the success of the SCF Volleyball program in 2023 and lead them to another appearance in the FCSAA Court Volleyball Championship Tournament.