Joan Riggs enjoyed a career as one of the most successful volleyball coaches ever in North Carolina. A graduate of Swansboro High and UNC-Wilmington, she returned to her high school alma mater and helped it become a state powerhouse in volleyball. Her Swansboro teams posted a collective record of 363-65 from 1974 through 1995, winning five state championships within a 10-year span and finishing as runners-up on three occasions. Riggs guided her teams to 14 conference championships and was her league’s coach of the year 10 different times. She also coached women’s basketball, softball and track during her career. Active in her church, Riggs helped lead the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at her school, where she was also voted Teacher of the Year in 1990. The town of Swansboro honored her with a Joan Riggs Day in 1995.
July 8, 2019
