Bigfork's Yvonne Peck steps down

The Valkyries are losing a dandy.

Bigfork High School volleyball coach Yvonne Peck is resigning to pursue an advanced degree at Montana State University, Bigfork Activities Director Shannon Smith announced Friday.

Peck, 44, coached Bigfork for three years, leading the program to unprecedented heights.

"We believe she is, if not the best, one of the best volleyball coaches in the state, so it's a loss to our students, community and school," Smith said. "But we wish her the best of luck in her endeavor."

Peck studied math and physical science as an undergraduate at MSU. The high school math teacher is returning to Bozeman seeking a master's degree in math education.

"The only way to advance after so many years in teaching is to get more education," Peck said.

"In order to recoup the costs of your education and move over in the pay scale and things like that, you need to do it."

Peck's decision wasn't easy. A Whitefish High School alumna, Peck has coached for 21 years, including stints in Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Simms - where her career began - and Colorado.

"It's huge," Peck said. "I like to work with kids. I like to coach. I like my time in the gym - I really do. I like to see kids grow. I like to see programs grow."

The Valkyries went undefeated at home in 2004 - Peck's first year - beating Columbia Falls, Libby and eventual state champion Whitefish. Peck said it was the first time her athletes had defeated those schools in any sport.

Bigfork reached the Class A state tournament in 2005 after finishing second in the Northwestern A conference and divisional tournament. The Valkyries took fourth at divisionals last fall.

"She's very demanding, yet loved her players," Smith said. "You can see it in her interaction with the kids. When they heard (she was leaving Wednesday), they were just upset. It was a rough day.

"Her knowledge of the game is great. It's top notch. The time she puts in and her work ethic is flat-out amazing."

Peck grew up playing basketball, but took to volleyball in college when she made friends with some of MSU's players and learned about the game by attending practices.

"I grew up on the orange ball, but I have to admit, I fell in love with the white ball," Peck said.

Peck will spend this summer in Bozeman before returning to Bigfork in the fall to continue her studies online.

"I'll still be the Valkyries' best fan," she said.

Peck, whose greatest Bigfork memory is "interaction with the kids," has not ruled out an eventual return to coaching.

"I think for people that coach for a long period of time … what makes it most important is the relationships and the growth you see in kids," she said. "I believe I saw that (at Bigfork), both as young ladies as well as athletes."

Smith said Bigfork's head volleyball coaching position will be open for the next two weeks.