By Thomas Grant Jr.
There’s a change of leadership with the River Bluff girls’ lacrosse program.
The school announced the hiring of a new head coach and assistant while retaining the previous head coach on the staff.
Shannon Aikens will begin leading the Lady Gators’ program in July.
“I am really looking forward to sharing my knowledge and passion for the game of lacrosse with the River Bluff girls’ lacrosse program,” Aikens said. “I have watched, played, and coached lacrosse my entire life. This is a great group of talented young athletes who are eager to learn and work hard. I’m excited to see how the energy, positivity, and creativity I bring to the field will support the future success of this program.”
She brings more than 20 years of playing and coaching experience to River Bluff, starting at Mercy High School as a midfielder and later as an attack player for the University of Maryland. Aikens’ coaching resume includes leading Yorktown High School in Arlington, Va. to district and state titles in 2022.
Aikens’ coaching style is described as emphasizing “positivity, player development, and motivation.” Her goal is to “share her infectious love for the game with her players and enhance their skills and strategic understanding of lacrosse.”
Accompanying Aikens to River Bluff is assistant coach Courtney Dove. She previously spent six years at Dutch Fork High School and with the Lake Murray Lacrosse Club.
Rounding out the staff is former coach now assistant Morgan Logue. Prior to coaching at River Bluff, she played at Lynchburg College.
“It’s a pretty amazing feeling that I haven’t even moved yet, and River Bluff already feels like a perfect fit,” Aikens said. “The River Bluff community has been extremely welcoming and supportive. The administrators and parents I’ve spoken with have provided great information about the program and have made me feel right at home. It is something I wanted to be a part of.”
