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Successful Pirates coach says it's time for change

Briget Boshell steps down after four seasons and a recent spot in the state playoffs.

By BRIAN SUMERS
Published July 11, 2006

CRYSTAL RIVER - After four seasons coaching volleyball, Briget Boshell is leaving the Pirates to teach physical education and health at the Renaissance Center in Lecanto when it opens a new campus in August.

"I cried for a month," Boshell said. "I didn't want to leave my volleyball team."

Boshell, an animated coach who is known for coaxing strong performances from her players, led the Pirates to a 23-4 record last season and a spot in the state playoffs.

But Boshell, who also coached volleyball seven seasons at Chiefland High, said she sought change.

"She'll be missed," said incoming activities director Tony Stukes, who will help choose her replacement. "She's very energetic. All the girls on the team loved playing for her."

Boshell said she is interested in working with troubled students at the Renaissance Center, which provides an alternative education for students who are not successful in their home schools. She said she recently became certified in exceptional student education.

"It's a student population I've embraced in the past," said Boshell, 47.

After speaking with her players tonight, Boshell plans to take nine of them to a University of Florida volleyball camp starting Thursday.

She promises she will miss her squad. Without it, switching schools would have been an easier decision.

"That was the biggest thing that stood in the way," she said.

With volleyball season set to start next month and Crystal River preferring its coaches to teach on campus, finding a new leader will not be easy.

One possibility, Boshell said, is Brian Wood, a Progress Energy employee recently hired as a volleyball assistant.

Wood does not teach, but he could be considered because a new coach is needed so soon.

"There's not a whole lot of time to do it," Stukes said.

Meanwhile, Stukes said Crystal River is close to hiring a new basketball coach and a new boys tennis coach.

Candidates have interviewed for both positions, though Stukes said administrators will not rush their decision.

"We're not just going to pick somebody,' he said.

Brian Sumers can be reached at 352-564-3628 or bsumers@sptimes.com.

[Last modified July 10, 2006, 19:30:31]