Laramie High volleyball coach Jill Stucky reacts during a Class 4A state tournament quarterfinal match against Cody in 2021 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper.
Laramie High volleyball coach Jill Stucky reacts during a Class 4A state tournament quarterfinal match against Cody in 2021 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper.
After four seasons and three Class 4A state championships, Jill Stucky turned in her resignation as the Laramie High volleyball coach Wednesday morning.
It was Stucky’s second stint at the helm at LHS. The decision was based on wanting to watch her daughters, Maddy (University of Wyoming) and Alexis (University of Florida), play volleyball in college.
“(The decision to resign) always lingered when I have kids playing and I’m not able to watch them as much as I wanted,” Stucky told WyoSports on Thursday. “I have an opportunity to go through the college athletic experience with them, and my heart hurts when they aren’t supported by a parent in the stands.”
Stucky’s record over the past four seasons was 117-11. While it’s bittersweet to leave the program after so much success, she credits LHS for giving her the support she needed.
Her first state title came in year one, with Maddy and Alexis both on the team. The Plainsmen finished a perfect 25-0, capping the season with a 3-1 win over Kelly Walsh in the state championship match.
LHS went back-to-back the following year, finishing 32-2, with another win over the Trojans in the state final. Kelly Walsh got its revenge in Stucky’s third year, beating the Plainsmen 3-2 in the state championship match to give LHS a state runner-up finish.
The Plainsmen claimed the 4A title over Thunder Basin in Stucky’s last season this fall.
“I’m very proud of all that we accomplished,” Stucky said. “I will look back on it as a really great experience, and I felt well-backed by the school and community. It was a great run for me, and I am lucky to be a part of it.”
The Plainsmen will graduate Maddy, Anna Sell and Sidnie Study from this year’s team. Stucky believes the juniors and sophomores still in the program have put in enough time and effort to continue performing well.
“There are some really nice players returning,” Stucky said. “They have put in their time and will be just fine.”
Stucky wants her bond with the players on the team to continue going strong. The coach has carpooled around the region with the current players, and she’ll make it a point to stay in touch with them.
“Whoever they hire, I would be interested in a possible volunteer position,” Stucky said. “I wouldn’t mind volunteering with a position group as a setters coach. It’s up to what the person hired would be interested in, but I am open to all of that.”
Stucky’s youngest daughter, Ashlyn, turned 13 this year and will start her high school career in the fall. With 33 years of coaching under her belt, Stucky can’t see herself stepping away forever.
“(The Northern Colorado Volleyball Club) doesn’t typically let (moms) coach after their kid turns 13,” Stucky said. “I’ve run my course as a coach there. They still have me on speed dial for training, camps and tryouts.”
There is no word on who the Plainsmen will hire as the next coach; however, one name stands out among possible candidates.
Erin Wedemeyer — LHS’ junior varsity coach this fall — was also an assistant on varsity and is the mother of rising senior Michon Sailors, who recently committed to Fresno State for volleyball. Wedemeyer offers a plethora of experience with the current roster.
“I know she would really like that position,” Stucky said. “My recommendation would definitely be for Erin. She’s been a part of our state championship mentality the last two years, and I think she would seamlessly transition into the role.”
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Austin Edmonds covers Laramie High, University of Wyoming and community athletics for WyoSports. He can be reached at aedmonds@wyosports.net. Follow him on X at @_austinedmonds.
