In a surprising and difficult decision, Pojoaque Valley High School has decided to part ways with volleyball coach Mike Velarde after just one season at the helm. Despite his enthusiasm and dedication, Velarde, who took on the coaching role just months before the 2024 season began, could not deliver the results that the school hoped for, with the team finishing the season with a disappointing 3-20 record. His dismissal has raised eyebrows, particularly given the circumstances under which he took the position and the challenges he faced in his short tenure.
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A Rocky Start: Stepping In When Needed
Mike Velarde’s appointment to the position of Pojoaque Valley’s volleyball coach in the summer of 2024 came at a time when the program was in dire need of leadership. The school had been struggling to find a coach, and with the start of the season just weeks away, Velarde, who has a solid background in basketball coaching, stepped up to the plate. While his experience in volleyball was minimal, Velarde’s commitment to the team was evident from the outset, as he sought to motivate and prepare the players under tough circumstances.
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The Pojoaque Valley volleyball program had long been underperforming, and Velarde’s decision to take on the role despite having little volleyball experience demonstrated his willingness to make a difference. With only a few weeks to prepare the team for the highly competitive 2024 season, Velarde faced an uphill battle. His efforts were certainly admirable, but they ultimately could not reverse the team’s fortunes in such a short period.
Challenges of a New Coach in an Established Sport
The challenges that Velarde encountered were multifaceted. First and foremost, the time constraints were immense. Volleyball is a sport that demands a high level of specialized knowledge, especially in terms of player development, strategy, and conditioning. Velarde’s experience as a basketball coach did not provide him with the same foundational understanding of volleyball tactics, and this gap was noticeable throughout the season.
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Although Velarde worked hard to get the players up to speed, the lack of deep volleyball experience showed on the court. The Pojoaque Valley team, which had already been struggling before his arrival, continued to face tough competition from schools with more established and experienced volleyball programs. A 3-20 season record is a stark reflection of the difficulties the team faced, but it is also a testament to the immense pressure Velarde was under as he tried to coach a team in a sport with which he was not entirely familiar.
The Decision to Let Velarde Go
In December, Pojoaque Valley’s athletic director made the decision to part ways with Velarde. The official reason cited was the overall development of the players, which the athletic director felt was not at the level required for long-term success. Although Velarde was praised for stepping in during a time of need, the director expressed concerns over the lack of growth in key areas, such as technique, game strategy, and player fundamentals.
It was also noted that Velarde’s primary background was in basketball coaching, and the athletic department felt that a coach with more experience in volleyball would be better equipped to help the program reach its potential. The decision to hire a coach with a strong volleyball background was seen as essential for building a more competitive and sustainable volleyball program moving forward.
This move, while difficult, aligns with the school’s desire to improve the overall standard of its athletic programs. The athletic director acknowledged that Velarde had shown great passion and dedication, but in a sport as intricate as volleyball, experience and specialized knowledge are often the key to success. The decision was not a reflection of Velarde’s character, but rather a recognition that the program needed a more experienced hand to guide it forward.
The Fallout: What’s Next for Pojoaque Valley’s Volleyball Program?
As news of Velarde’s firing spread, reactions were mixed. Some expressed sympathy for Velarde, understanding that he had been thrust into a challenging situation with little time to prepare. Others felt that the decision to let him go was justified, given the lack of improvement in the team’s performance. Regardless of opinions, it is clear that the future of Pojoaque Valley’s volleyball program is now uncertain, and the school faces the challenge of finding a coach who can rebuild the team from the ground up.
The next steps for the program are crucial. Pojoaque Valley has an opportunity to find a coach with a solid background in volleyball who can provide stability and help the players develop their skills. The hiring of a coach with a proven track record in volleyball will likely be the first step in a longer-term plan to improve the team’s performance.
For Velarde, the decision to part ways with him may be a setback, but it is by no means the end of his coaching career. His experience in basketball could open doors for him in other programs, particularly where his skills in team-building, motivation, and leadership can be put to use. While the volleyball chapter of his career was short, Velarde’s ability to step into a difficult situation speaks to his character and resilience. His future in coaching may yet be bright, just not in volleyball at Pojoaque Valley.
Looking Ahead: A Time for Reflection and Growth
The story of Mike Velarde’s brief tenure as Pojoaque Valley’s volleyball coach is a reminder of the challenges that come with stepping into a new and unfamiliar role. It also highlights the importance of experience and preparation in the world of sports coaching. While his time with the team may have been short-lived, Velarde’s willingness to step up and give his best deserves recognition.
As Pojoaque Valley looks to the future, the decision to move forward with a coach who has more experience in volleyball may ultimately prove to be the right one for the long-term health of the program. For now, the program will continue to rebuild, with the hope that the next coach will bring the expertise and leadership necessary to help the players reach their full potential. For Velarde, the journey continues, and his next challenge awaits.
