Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

HHS teacher excited to lead girls volleyball 

A multi-sport coach, Jessie Karner recently was named head coach of the Hopkinton High School girls volleyball team. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Jessie Karner is excited to step into the role of Hopkinton High School’s girls volleyball coach.

“The girls in the program are really dedicated, really fun and going to see a lot of success,” she said.

Karner is taking on the head coaching role after three years of coaching the junior varsity team. She will be replacing Emma Sweetapple, who, Karner explained, is taking a step back to focus on her family. “She’s an incredible leader and an incredible woman, and I’m proud of her for making the best decision for her right now,” said Karner.

Currently working as an English teacher in HHS’ tutoring center, Karner has worn a lot of coaching hats since she began working at the school five years ago. In the winter, she helps coach the wrestling team, and she is an assistant coach for the softball team in the spring. She got her start in coaching at HHS with the football program.

“I had a really wonderful time there,” Karner said of her experience on the football coaching staff.

In her new role, Karner will work alongside new HHS varsity girls basketball coach Mikayla Pucci, who also is an assistant volleyball coach.

The new varsity coach is no stranger to the high school’s volleyball program. Karner, a 2008 HHS graduate, noted she had played for the team her freshman and sophomore years. She came back to teach and coach in Hopkinton because of her experience and love of the community.

“I’ve always said that my dreams are grounded in Hopkinton,” she said.

Karner reported she will meet with her team for the first time as coach later this week. She said she is excited to work with the rising seniors, who were freshmen when she was coaching JV. “I think it’s going to be a really great experience,” she said.

She also expressed caution about setting goals too early, but shared that advancing further into the Division 1 tournament this season may be on the table. The program moved up to D1 last year and made it into the state tournament but lost to Bishop Feehan in the first round.

Whatever the aims for the season will be, Karner said she values her player’s opinions in setting those goals.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Water service around the former Hopkinton Drug site will be interrupted temporarily next Monday for required water main modifications.

Contractors are scheduled to begin work on the Claflin Place drainage project early next week.

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows four homes sold, including two over $1 million.

Town meetings tonight include the Commissioners of Trust Funds (5), Parks & Recreation Commission (6) and Conservation Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

Hopkinton Police Officer Noah Buentello and Sgt. Shannon Beloin pose for a photo Saturday at the Special Olympics Summer Games. The HPD officers participated in this year’s Cruiser Convoy as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Massachusetts, where law enforcement from all over the state convoy to the games at Harvard University’s athletic complex in Boston. Participating officers help with presenting medals, interact with athletes and participate in a celebratory lunch as part of the day’s events.

PHOTO/HOPKINTON POLICE DEPARTMENT