Alsager steps down as Sandpoint volleyball coach
SANDPOINT — Sandpoint head volleyball coach Karen Alsager stepped down on Monday, ending a highly-successful nine-year tenure stewarding one of the top athletic programs in the state.
Alsager started at Sandpoint in 2005, and led the Bulldogs to two state titles in 2006 and 2008, one second place finish, two third place finishes and a fourth place finish this year, winning the district tournament in eight of her nine years at the helm.
The former University of Idaho volleyball player and Vandal Hall of Fame member has spent 22 years coaching at the college and high school level, and has watched firsthand how athletics and the coaching dynamic has changed in those two decades.
The stresses and rigors of coaching, along with wanting to spend more time with her family, were the main reasons Alsager decided to step down.
“That time can now be spent with my three teenagers and husband that have sacrificed family dinners and a well-organized home for their mom to be coaching,” said Alsager, who leaves with many fond memories and friendships and is at peace with her decision. “Memories of Koko James, Piper Wahlin, Alissa Millard and Christina Johnson. Getting to know true young women of great character in Mackenzie Jones, Maddi Russo, Samantha May and Brooke Williams. Making lifelong friendships with girls like Lydia Tollbom, Ariel Moe, Abby Helander, Linnia Hawkins and Brooke Demers. Those kind of relationships with the athletes and their families are the things I will cherish and remember the most.”
Sandpoint athletic director Kris Knowles will now seek a new coach for arguably the most storied athletic program in the state, boasting a whopping 14 state titles. He said he respects Alsager’s decision, appreciates all she’s done for the program and wishes her nothing but the best in the future.
“She wants to spend time with her family, I completely understand that,” said Knowles. “Her programs have been very good, and one of the standards in the state for a long time.”