Cris Matochi is ready for his close-up. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
This one stings.
Cris Matochi, the dynamic leader of Coupeville Middle School volleyball, has tendered his resignation.
The Brazilian-born coach, who has greatly energized the program since his hire in 2021, will officially depart his post after the school board approves the change at its meeting this coming Thursday, Jan. 30.
Matochi, who is married to CHS volleyball coach Cory Whitmore, lights up the gym with his love of the game and of life.
A high-caliber player in his home country, he balanced coaching at CMS with work as an Environmental Health Specialist for the Island County Health Department.
His pre-Coupeville coaching career included stints at various colleges, and work with high-level volleyball academies and national travel teams.
But while he was likely very over-qualified for his current gig, Matochi never let his past success get in the way of connecting with his current small-town proteges.
He preached love of the game, and a commitment to hard work, while working with fellow coaches such as Raven Vick and Kristina Hooks and got the most out of his players.
Among the most enthusiastic of sideline mentors, he will be greatly missed.
Coupeville Sports 
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