Jacob Meseke | sports editor
Head volleyball coach Tracy Capoun resigned last week, ending her second run as Charger head coach with a 188-61 record, including four state appearances — 3rd place in 2020, 2nd place in 2018 and a state championship in 2019.
Capoun shared her thoughts on her time leading the Charger volleyball program, as well as advice for whoever takes the reins next season.
What was your favorite memory while coaching at Wabaunsee?
It’s hard to top going to state four times and placing the last three yrs; 1st, 2nd and 3rd. But I will never forget when Alexis (Hafenstine) went on a 13-0 serving run to get us from 8-16 to 21-16 and within reach of the championship.
Why did you decide to resign and what factors went into your decision?
There’s never a good time to retire… I never want to leave any of the girls. Even the last time when I decided to move on, the reason was the time and wanting more personal hours to spend on family and photography. I hope everyone understands the time that a committed coach puts into a high school program.
Could you talk about the team that the next coach will be inheriting?
They are an unbelievable bunch of athletes. A new coach shouldn’t have a problem having to rebuild a program or worry about talent. There’s a lot of experience on all levels and each has a load of HEART.
What are you going to miss being a coach at Wabaunsee?
Coaching in general. If you’ve coached, you understand it’s in your blood. So literally every bit of coaching… I’ll miss everything but the hours.
What advice would you give to current and future volleyball players at Wabaunsee?
Don’t just play volleyball, watch volleyball. Watch yourself play volleyball too. Also volleyball is a team sport, and you’re only as good as the person next to you. Tearing them down will not be beneficial to you. Lift them up, be their cheerleader and don’t focus on their mistakes nor yours. That head game is a losing battle.
What made you come back to coaching after four years off of coaching?
It is very hard to find coaches. Not many people can take off of work in the middle of the afternoon to coach. Plus, knowing the game and teaching the game are two different things. I knew just like the first time that I left, that the team went through a tough situation by losing a coach. I hoped I could be the bridge between keeping the program on track and getting a more permanent coach.
The Charger 
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