Campbell County High School has turned to a familiar face to lead its girls volleyball program. On Wednesday, the school announced the hiring of Alicia Rice as the new head coach of the Lady Camels.
“Alicia has been on staff for the past few seasons and has done a great job in that time,” said athletic director Michael Florimonte. “We’re very excited for coach Rice and our program.”
The move follows the departure of former head coach Mikah Freppon, who guided the Camels for three seasons before stepping down this fall. Freppon, engaged to be married in 2026, said she left the position to focus on her family. She compiled a 32‑53 record, highlighted by a 19‑14 campaign in 2023 that culminated in a 10th Region tournament championship and a state tournament berth.
Now, Rice steps in.
“I am beyond the moon excited to be the Lady Camels head volleyball coach,” Rice said. “Volleyball is a true passion of mine as I have played it all my life and my two daughters are playing as well.”
The Camels struggled in the two seasons since the state tournament appearance, finishing 6‑18 this past year and winless in district play. With five seniors graduating, the program will lean on returning leaders such as Amerie Mullins, Lydia Fry and Kendyl Hartman.
Rice inherits that challenge with a résumé that blends high‑level playing experience and recent coaching success. A native of Utah, she won two state championships in high school and earned all-star and all‑state honors as an outside hitter. She also competed nationally with the High Country club team before earning a scholarship to California State University, where she played as a middle blocker.
“I can’t wait to dig in and continue growing the program by building strong, confident athletes,” Rice said.
Her transition from player to coach has been steady and deliberate. Rice has worked with athletes at the middle school, high school and club levels. This includes the past two years on the Campbell County staff as freshman and junior varsity head coach. She also coached an age 16 team for Northern Kentucky Volleyball Club.
Beyond the court, Rice is a mother of two, a wife, and a dog mom to two whippets. Professionally, she serves as the lead Cardiac Nurse Practitioner at St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood-Covington Hospitals.
Florimonte said Rice’s background as both a player and coach makes her an ideal fit for the program. “She has a lot of volleyball knowledge that will truly benefit the program and our student‑athletes,” he said.
Rice has already outlined her vision for the Camels, emphasizing growth through teamwork, discipline and integrity. She believes in creating a healthy playing atmosphere.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Campbell County volleyball. The Camels have endured consecutive losing seasons. They have gone through back‑to‑back nonwinning records against regional competition for the first time in more than two decades. The program also slipped in district play, going 0‑4 this season after years of dominance.
Still, Rice’s familiarity with the roster and her track record of developing young athletes provide optimism for a turnaround. The school introduced her Wednesday with a message of welcome. “Please join CCHS and Camels Athletics in celebrating Coach Rice as the new varsity volleyball head coach,” it said. “Go Camels!”
With Rice at the helm, Campbell County hopes to recapture the momentum it enjoyed just two years ago. Then the Camels want to build a foundation for sustained success.
“I am committed to creating a positive environment where players can thrive as individuals and as a team,” said the new coach.