Dufur legend calls it a career

“I’ve actually been thinking about retiring for a while, even as far back as three years ago when our daughter Taylor was a freshman,” said Darden. “I think it’s really hard for her to always be coached by her parents. It’s hard being a coach’s kid and I really didn’t want her to feel that additional pressure to succeed.”

The move may surprise some, especially considering the great success Darden has enjoyed. She compiled a sterling record of 449 wins and 176 losses, including winning state titles in 1996, 2004, 2005 and 2007.

“Since Taylor is a senior now, I just figured that this would be a good time to end my coaching career and let somebody else take over,” said Darden.

The decision to retire as coach actually came last year, but she mainly expressed those thoughts to a close circle.

“I didn’t tell many people, other than Jack Henderson (Dufur School District Superintendent/Athletic Director). I’ve obviously discussed the opportunity with my assistant coaches (Jody Weaver, Bethany Stelzer), but they don’t seem real sure if they want to do it.”

Her trophy case runneth over

Coach Darden's long list of accomplishments include being honored as Oregon’s Class 1A Coach-of-the-Year five times (1996, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2011).

She also led Dufur to nine Big Sky District Championships.

Darden's teams earned 1A state tournament Sportsmanship Awards in 2002, 2007, 2011 and 2013.

Darden guided the Rangers to second-place state tourney finishes in 1994 and 1997, in addition to third-place state trophies in 2003, 2011 and 2013.

There were many defining moments along the way.

“I’ve had some great teams, but the one I have the most satisfying memories of was when we won our first state championship (1996),” said Darden. “All of our championship teams were amazing, but the first one is particularly special for me because I was real young and I was still learning as a coach.”

Finding a torch bearer

There will certainly be some big shoes to fill in finding a capable replacement for a legendary coach like Darden.

“It’s going to be difficult to find someone with her skills and aptitude for developing volleyball players,” Henderson said. “Kelly stopped coaching each time she had her children, so this is the third time she’s done this and I’m hoping that maybe she’ll change her mind. We assumed she would come back the other two times. I think she’s much more serious about the decision now though.”

As the athletic director, Henderson took great comfort in knowing the volleyball program was always in good hands, he said.

“Kelly has done a phenomenal job coaching the Dufur High volleyball team,” Henderson added. “She’s a great teacher, while doing amazing things for the Dufur School District in everything she’s involved in.”

Dufur cupboard is not bare

The Lady Rangers will continue to be a title contender again next year with a strong group of players returning in Kirsten Sorensen, Sydney Reed, Tianna Ellis, Sarah Helyer, Chloe Beeson and Emily DePriest.

“All of the girls were super excited and just thrilled with their performance this year,” said Darden. “Their goal was to play for a state championship and that's what they did. We had a great year and it was a pleasure to coach such a super great group of girls.”

When the fall months come next year, coach Darden will be in the stands urging on her team.

Except now, she can just be a fan.

“I’m going to be excited to watch them play next year,” coach Darden said. “I’ll cheer them on and I'll enjoy being a spectator.”

By any measure of success, the 2014 season a spectacular highlight in Darden's long coaching career.

Darden won her seventh Big Sky Conference Coach-of-the-Year Award this past season, while leading Dufur to its first district championship since 2005.

There was a special bond with this group, and it showed in the final standings.

“I basically stayed on as coach the last few years because Taylor was on my team and we also had a very talented group of younger players this year,” Kelly Darden said.

Under Kelly’s tutelage and inspiration, the quartet of Taylor Darden, Montana Ferres, Ellis and Sorensen had an outstanding year, proudly earning post season awards.

Taylor Darden, Ferres and Ellis were selected as Big Sky Conference First Team All-Stars.

In addition, Taylor was a unanimous selection to the 1A All-Tournament First Team.

Ferres and Sorensen earned 1A All-Tournament Second Team Awards.

Kelly has also coached a club volleyball program for nearly 15 years.

During the summer months, Kelly organized open gym sessions and coordinated camps the teams attended each year.

It was a year-round commitment to the sport.

“I’ve put so much into coaching, including lots of mental preparation, which involves being at home watching game films and making practice schedules,” said coach Darden of her committment.

“Coaching is not just practicing and then going to a game. Your whole life kind of revolves around it,” she explained.

Family is a pillar of strength

In addition to the busy fall sports season, Kelly teaches Social Studies and a computer class at Dufur Middle School.

She is going to miss coaching, and is unsure what she’ll do now.

But she is excited about doing something different.

One of the dificulties of coaching is losing time wither her family; her husband Hollie, daughter Taylor and son Trey, a sixth grader at Dufur Middle School.

During volleyball season, Hollie provided Kelly with a plenty of help at home by doing laundry and cooking dinner, since she had very little spare time to devote to household chores.

“I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband like Hollie,” Kelly said. “He coaches basically the same group of girls on the basketball team that I coached in volleyball.”

“We've always been able to help each other a lot by providing some advice and insight for both teams,” she added.

One important quality for any coach is soaking up all of the knowledge passed her way..

Over the years, those mentors and colleagues have meant the most.

“I’ve obviously learned a lot through my coaching career and it’s provided me with a lot of special memories,” Kelly said.