Coupeville High School volleyball coach Breanne Smedley is leaving to take a job in Vancouver. (John Fisken photos)
Husband Brett will be joining her at Columbia River.
This is not an April Fools.
Four months out from a new season, Coupeville High School just lost half of its roster of fall sports coaches.
Brett and Breanne Smedley have accepted coaching and teaching jobs in their hometown and are leaving Whidbey Island to return to Vancouver.
Both will teach at Columbia River High School, with Breanne taking over as head volleyball coach.
Brett will be the school’s football defensive coordinator.
Columbia River is a 3A school and plays in the Greater St. Helen’s League, along with Fort Vancouver, Kelso and Prairie.
Both Chieftains programs won league titles this school year.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision, but ultimately we were presented with an opportunity we felt we couldn’t pass up,” Breanne Smedley said. “I am saddened to leave this team and community, but I am confident the program is in a great place to be successful next year and beyond.”
She has been the head volleyball coach at CHS the past two seasons, leading the Wolves to a tie for second-place in the 1A Olympic League this past season.
The Wolves upended Seattle Christian for their first playoff win in a decade.
With her departure, the Wolf volleyball program is two coaches down, as JV coach Heidi Wyman stepped down earlier in the year to focus on family and club coaching.
Brett Smedley worked as an assistant football coach under Tony Maggio before taking over the program last year.
Working with an extremely young roster, he went 1-10, but his team played aggressively and showed considerable signs of growth under his tutelage.
While the move gives the couple a chance to return to their roots, they will treasure their time on Whidbey.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better community to start our careers and begin our lives together,” Breanne Smedley said. “As I told the players, the relationships we have made here go beyond the volleyball court and I will continue to be available as a mentor and friend for these girls.
“Thank you again for the opportunity to coach and teach these amazing young women.”
Coupeville Sports 