Moore steps down as coach at Lincoln Pius X

LINCOLN - Over the past two weeks, some of Nebraska's top high school volleyball programs have seen their coaches leave. It happened again today with the announcement that Lincoln Pius X head coach Jake Moore is stepping down.

“On behalf of Pius X, I’d like to extend our thanks to Coach Moore for all he’s done for Pius X’s volleyball teams, and commend him for the success he has achieved,” Pius X Athletic Director Tim Aylward said. “His work ethic, time commitment, and dedication have been outstanding. He has been a tremendous volleyball coach, and he will be greatly missed.”

Moore built Pius X into arguably the most successful volleyball powerhouse in Nebraska high school history. His Thunderbolt teams have reached the state tournament a mind-boggling 20 years in a row - despite floating between Class A and B part of the time. That is tied for the most consecutive appearances in the state tournament and Pius X will have an opportunity to own the record by itself if it makes it to state in 2015.

During his career, Moore had a record of 705-232 - including a record of 7-1 in matches to determine the state championship. Overall, his teams reached state 21 times, winning state championships in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011. The Thunderbolts finished as runner-up in 2004. Following the 2008 season, Moore was named the National High School Coach of the year by PrepVolleyball.com.

"I am proud of what it means to be a member of the Pius X Volleyball Program, what it has become, and the opportunities that it has provided for the many student-athletes and student assistants that have graced us with their talents and treasures over my 25 years of coaching,” Moore said in the release announcing the decision. “I will miss coaching, but am excited to see what is in store for the next chapter in my life."

Moore will continue to teach business education at the school and serve as the assistant athletic director.

This month has seen Moore, Rochelle Rohlfs of Omaha Marian, Elena Pietro of Papillion-LaVista South and Jenny Gragert of Elkhorn all step own as head coaches of their programs.