Harter Steps Down as Smith-Cotton Head Volleyball Coach

Smith-Cotton High volleyball head coach Chad Harter has resigned his position in order to spend more time with his family.

Harter will continue to teach mathematics at the high school.

Harter led the Lady Tigers to a 12-14 record last season, his second stint as S-C's volleyball head coach. The search for a replacement has begun.

S-C Athletic Director Rob Davis said: “Coach Harter's commitment to the Smith-Cotton volleyball program has been unmatched. Although his most recent stint as our head coach was for only one season, his dedication to our program goes back over 20 years. I know his decision to resign as our volleyball coach was not an easy one for him.

"He loves Smith-Cotton volleyball and he loves our players. But as happens with many coaches, the desire to be able to spend more time with his family ultimately was the deciding factor. Most people underestimate the time commitment of our coaches and their personal sacrifice,” Davis said.

Harter had two tenures as head coach for S-C volleyball, his previous tenure coming during the 2008-10 seasons. Davis said that both times Harter took over teams in rebuilding years and in both cases, Harter exceeded expectations.

Harter served as a longtime assistant coach for S-C under multiple head coaches. He has coached local youth teams and provided individual instruction to players of all ages. He also conducted numerous volleyball skills camps in the area and was a student manager for S-C volleyball head coach Bill O'Boyle in the early 1990s.

“I will miss coach Harter's passion for our volleyball program but I am happy he will have the opportunity to be at home with his family more and focus on his love of teaching," Davis said.

In the photo: Smith-Cotton volleyball Head Coach Chad Harter watches his Lady Tigers as they compete against West Central Conference foe Nevada during the teams' Aug. 30 match in the S-C gym. Harter has announced his resignation after leading the program for one season.