Maria Aikins New Volleyball Head Coach at Allen. Aikins hails from Hutchinson where she recently finished coaching at Hutchinson High School for the past six seasons. Out of those six seasons, three included making 5A state appearances. During her final season at Hutchinson High, Aikins and her team set a best overall record in school history, finishing 33-5. Her team also earned several accolades upon her final season with them including a third place finish at 5A State. At the end of 2023, Aikins stepped down from leading the Salthawks and joined the coaching staff as an assistant at Hutchinson Community College. 

During Her 6 season at Hutchinson, Aikins and the Salthawks accomplished a variety of accolades among those were: 

2023- 5A Coach of the Year

2023- Ark Valley Chisholm Trial Division 1- Coach of the year

2022- Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division 1- Co-Coach of the year

2022-KVA Victory Club Coach 

2023 Class 5A Program of the Year. 

2022- CO-Champions of the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division 1

Historic school record of 33-5 back to back seasons suprasing 30 wins. 

Back to Back Sub-State Champions 

2022-8th place finish at the 6A level. 

2023- 3rd place finish at the 5A level. 

Maria Aikins is a native of Salina KS, Where she graduated in 2010 from Salina Central High School. In High School, Aikins achieved all conference recognition for volleyball and basketball. Aikins was named Salina Central’s  “Female Trii-Athlete”. Of the year. 

Aikins continued her education and athletic career at Cloud County Community College.  

At Cloud County, Aikins accumulated all- conference honors as well as all-region honors her sophomore year. Earning 2nd team- All KJCCC DIV 1, and 2nd team-  NJCAA Region 6.  Aikins set a school record of surpassing a .888 hitting percentage and accumulating a high of 23 kills and 0 errors. 

2014 - Aikins transferred to Bethany College where she finished her volleyball career. During her time as a Swede, Aikins was named All-KCAC-, 2nd-team Junior year, and Nominated Team MVP. . Senior year, Aikins set a school record for aces per set, and kills/ Set. Aikins was recognized in the top 41 in the nation for blocks/Set. .  Aikins was selected as on the  “all conference- Pre-Season team”.  During the regular season, Aikins was awarded as a 2-time All- KCAC offensive player of the week, and 2-time KCAC-player of the week. Mid-Season Aikins suffered a severe injury mid-season.  After strengthening and rehab, Aikins appeared in time for the postseason.  After the season, Aikins was recognized as 2nd-team All KCAC and team MVP. 

Aikins graduated with a degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Special Education. 

Aikins’s husband, James will serve as her assistant coach this year.