by Rebekah Hardee

When my husband and I moved to Orcas Island, I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to coach volleyball.

Coaching for 21 years prior to the move definitely left a hole. Then the opportunity to coach the team at Orcas Island High School came up and my life felt complete. The time spent with the girls has enriched my life and taught me so much because learning never ends. There are times though that another opportunity arises that is too good to pass up. This opportunity is a scholarship that will allow me to finish my teaching degree while working as a para-educator. Because of the time commitment, I will be stepping away from coaching until it is complete.

This has been a very tough decision. This has been an amazing four years of coaching Vikings’ volleyball. Taking the girls from a losing season in year one to making it to tri-districts this past season and me being rewarded with coach of the year. We have so many great memories together! The many ferry rides, a trip to Parkland for a tournament at my alma mater, racing to catch the next ferry to avoid an overnight trip, pumpkin patch adventures, bowling, team dinners, beating Mt. Vernon Christian in an epic five-set, two-hour match and so much more.

That hole I felt will now always be filled with all of that and more as I continue to be a part of the program in the spring and summer with the volleyball camps I started running with Orcas Parks and Rec four years ago.

I can’t wait to watch Parker Landsman play in the all-state match with the best players in the state! The connections with the players I have made will also continue daily at school. I am also looking forward to the opportunity of coaching full-time again after my degree is complete!