Kathy Bresnahan: ‘Nobody had more fun than me’

IOWA CITY -- Kathy Bresnahan won. A lot.

And she had a blast doing it.

"It's been a great ride," Bresnahan said Wednesday, shortly after announcing her resignation as volleyball coach at Iowa City West. "I have no regrets."

Bresnahan, 55, closes the book with a 671-205 record in 26 seasons -- 22 at West following four at Benton (Wis.). She led the Women of Troy to eight state tournaments, including back-to-back championships in 2010 and 2011.

The 2011 title concluded a bittersweet season that began with unthinkable loss. West's setter, Caroline Found, was killed in a moped accident just days before the season started.

"That really made me tear down the relationship wall a coach has with her players," Bresnahan said. "Our emotions were so tight-woven all season. It developed a bond that can never be broken."

Bresnahan is working with an editor on a book detailing the 2011 season. And a motion picture is in the works, from LD Entertainment.

That will take some of her time, though she's still on board to teach PE at West.

"This will be a change, that's for sure," she said. "You define yourself by the roles you play, and this is one I've played for quite a while."

Bresnahan said she has pondered stepping down for several years, but the death of her father, Dan, in January was the pushing point.

"This is the perfect time," she said. "I want to spend some of my weekends with my mom (Darlene), and I'm tired of riding the yellow (school) bus."

West is going to be pretty strong next season, and that's a priority -- allowing the next person to have some success.

"Bresnahan coached from 1987 through 1999, then returned in 2005.West Athletic Director Scott Kibby said, "We are thankful for the dedication that Coach Bresnahan has given. She is a great teacher of the game who truly enjoys working with young people and she has a tremendous touch when it comes to enjoying the game and being serious and competitive."

Bresnahan is at peace with her decision, but that doesn't make it easy to walk away.

"I'm going to miss the kids, the parents, the officials, the other coaches," she said. "The kids keep you young, and I'm not sure anybody has had more fun than me."