Atlantic Collegiate Academy will have a former state championship coach on the court when the Armada launches its' volleyball program this fall.
Long-time Myrtle Beach High coach Larry Church has been charged with building the volleyball program at ACA, with play for the Armada scheduled to begin in the fall. Church was the head volleyball coach at MBHS for 19 seasons, taking the Seahawks to the playoffs during each of those years. His team won three Lower State championships along with several regional crowns, in addition to the 2017 4A state championship.
Armada Director of Athletics William Payne said bring Church onto the staff was a critical step.
"Coach Church is a cornerstone hire for our athletic department and school overall," Payne said. "We are extremely fortunate to have someone of his caliber and standing to lead our student-athletes. He has a proven track record of developing young people within athletics and as people. His presence immediately makes Atlantic Volleyball a real player in the area and state overall. Atlantic is better in every way with Coach Church on board."
Church said he wasn't sure If he would ever return to coaching, but the situation at Atlantic was too good to pass up.
"I am excited to be a part of the ACA family," Church said. "When I decided to leave Myrtle Beach after 19 seasons, I wasn't sure if or when I would return to high school coaching. One thing I was certain of though, if I returned it would be a situation that allowed me to be home with my family in the evenings and still be a part of a competitive program. ACA provides both of those things and more.
"Once I learned about the academic standards for ACA, it was an easy decision. Being married to someone who spent 18 years in the classroom and coaching teams that were high academic achievers, the value of the education that ACA provides can't be overstated."
Church resigned from his position as head coach at Myrtle Beach HS following the 2018 season to join forces with North Myrtle Beach High coach Alex Sing In the formation of the Grand Strand Junior Volleyball Club. In addition to mentoring young coaches in that program, he led the 18U team into becoming a fixture among the top 50 club programs in the nation.
"I have been a club volleyball coach for 15 years and that has been my connection with coaching since I left," Church said. "I am a coach who believes in coaching the whole athlete. Success for my program is not always measured in wins and losses. My goal is to create a competitive environment that encourages growth in all phases of life."
His philosophies for coaching paid huge dividends during his time at MBHS. When he started, he had just two students show up for tryouts. In just three years he had almost 70 players in the gym to try out for the squad.
"We are so blessed to have Coach Church to lead our volleyball program at ACA," Principal Mike Lorenz said. "He is an amazing coach and will be a great role model for our young people. Our students-athletes will learn many great lessons from Coach. I can't wait to see where he takes the volleyball program."
Church got into coaching as a student at the University of South Carolina where he worked for coach Kim Hudson. He moved on to Coastal Carolina University In 1998, serving first as an assistant coach and then, In 1999, as Interim Head Coach. While at CCU he completed his degree In Sociology while also helping the Chanticleers to a Big South Conference title.
He took a year away from volleyball to work as a personal trainer, earning a certification in that field before taking on the challenge at MBHS.
"I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of a new athletics department as well," Church said. "My experiences at Myrtle Beach have given me great insight on being a part of championship level athletics. I have been fortunate enough to win championships at the college level and the high school level. I know there will be challenges, but with the support of Principal Mike Lorenz and Athletic Director William Payne it won't be long before we are a highly competitive program."
A native of Myrtle Beach, Church got his start early, playing volleyball on the beaches of the Grand Strand. He and his wife, Jamie, have two daughters, Jak (12) and Alix (9), and enjoy spending time on the beautiful beaches In the area and going to Broadway musicals.
"My wife and both of my girls are excited for this next chapter in my coaching story, and we can't wait to see how it unfolds," Church said.
