Karlee Riggs named to lead Crean Lutheran girls beach volleyball program

Karlee Riggs has joined the Crean Lutheran staff. (Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran High School)

Crean Lutheran High School officials announced Tuesday that Karlee Riggs has been named the coach of the girls beach volleyball program. It will be the newest CIF sanctioned sport.

“Karlee has been an elite volleyball player at Tustin High School, Orange Coast College, and the University of Hawaii,” said Athletic Director Eric Olson.”She knows the beach game and played it at a high level. I am super excited to bring on a faithful Christian coach with Division 1 beach volleyball experience to train our girls. I am confident Coach Riggs will facilitate a Christian culture and a program that will challenge the girls, build their confidence, and grow their love for the game.”

Riggs was first-team all-league for four years at Tustin and conference MVP her senior year. She then starred at Orange Coast College where she was Orange Empire Conference MVP her sophomore year. She was also a first team all-state player and OCC’s female athlete of the year.

Riggs then earned a full-ride scholarship at the University of Hawaii helping the sand volleyball team post a 35-11 overall record. Hawaii took third nationally her senior year.

Now, she’s looking forward to leading the Saints.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to coach the Saints girls sand volleyball program,” Riggs said. “It has been my dream to have a program of my own and to implement my coaching philosophy. I know that I can be of great service to these young women of God in their journey to transform just as much as they will be of service to me. I want these young women to remember to give themselves grace, work hard, and never take the abilities God has given them for granted. I am ready for many great seasons at Crean Lutheran and look forward to building this program into a place that feels like home for these athletes. Go Saints!”

Riggs was engaged in July to Adam Bernstein and the couple plans to be married Nov. 6, 2021.