After more than three decades of coaching at Independence High School, Coach Michelle Monaghan has announced plans for a selective retirement, marking the end of an era for the school’s athletic program. She will retire from coaching girls volleyball and soccer but will remain active as a coach for boys volleyball, as well as in club teams for both boys and girls volleyball.
Coach Monaghan’s legacy began not as a coach, but as a lifelong athlete. She initially planned to become a physical education teacher but started her career as a special education teacher. Monaghan reflects on her early guidance: “Nick Figueroa. He was a teacher and coach at Independence when I first started teaching. He took me under his wing as a young 21-year-old and showed me how to coach, act and be the best I could be. He was amazing.”
Over the years, her philosophies have evolved, but it is her love and dedication that have shaped her athletes. Monaghan believes that an athlete’s talent is less important than their attitude, dedication, and willingness to give everything to achieve their goals. She emphasizes that being a good coach means showing up for every aspect of an athlete’s life, building connections, and creating a safe environment.
Monaghan has always advocated for a team-first mentality, emphasizing unity over drama. She believes that without fundamental structure, there is no room for growth. Equally important are the life lessons she teaches: “I preach being a great person in society daily. I get on my athletes for misbehavior and acting out. I think it impacts me and that embarrasses me.”
Her advice to athletes is to push themselves not only physically but also emotionally and mentally, because attitude determines greatness. To her, leadership means guiding a person positively and uplifting them. She notes that many athletes misunderstand coaching intentions, often thinking coaches are simply strict, when in reality, coaches recognize potential and push athletes to achieve it: “I think I realize the impact I have on athletes daily. That is my goal—to impact all my athletes and make them better people, not just better athletes.”
Athletes such as Jocelyn Vite and Abigail Lerma have expressed gratitude for Monaghan’s influence: “Monaghan has created memories that we could all look back on and realize our growth.”
If Coach Monaghan could sum up her career in one sentence, it would be: “The most amazing part of my daily life and the hardest thing to do.” She leaves behind a long legacy of athletes she has influenced, one that will continue to resonate for generations to come.
