Coach Yvonne Peck resigns
By FAITH MOLDAN
Bigfork Eagle
Bigfork High School’s 2006 Coach of the Year, Yvonne Peck, has resigned as head volleyball coach at the school.
Peck, BHS’ head volleyball coach since 2004, resigned in order to pursue her master’s degree in math education at Montana State University. She will spend the summer in Bozeman and return to Bigfork in the fall while continuing her studies online.
The 44-year-old has coached for 21 years in a number of locations including Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Simms and Colorado.
“The opportunity rose and I was contacted by the administration, parents and kids in the community,” Peck said of her start at BHS. “As an athlete I was in a lot of good situations, taught a lot about people and goals and met some tremendous people. I wanted to provide that for other kids.”
Peck, a math teacher at BHS, calls coaching an extension of the classroom.
“I have tons of memories with the kids. I really saw them grow and expand,” she said.
BHS Activities Director Shannon Smith called Peck one of the best volleyball coaches in the state. Peck’s 2006 Coach of the Year honor came from her peers at BHS.
The volleyball team was undefeated at home in Peck’s first season, one of her favorite memories while coaching. The Vals beat Northwest A powerhouses Columbia Falls, Libby and that year’s state champion Whitefish. In 2005, Bigfork finished second in the conference and divisional tournament and qualified for the state tournament. The team was 9-3 in conference and 14-6 overall.
The Vals were fourth at divisionals this past fall. They came back to take that spot after struggling during the season. Peck said she believes the Vals’ experience at the divisional tournament left them believing they can compete with the larger schools.
“We’re small in size, we’re small in numbers but we can compete with everyone,” Peck said.
The head volleyball coach position closes May 18.
All applications need to be turned into Jennifer Wood at the District office:
600 Commerce St.
837-7400