GAYLORD ― The Gaylord varsity volleyball coaching position is open yet again.
Lisa Walega had only been the leader of the GHS program since Aug. 1, taking over after previous head coach Brittany Cornish stepped down in the summer. Now, Walega is parting ways with the program after nearly two months in charge.
“I have decided to step down from coaching,” Walega said in a statement to the Herald Times on Friday. “I have never had a single complaint from a parent or student in my 30 years of education and coaching. This entire season, I have been bashed and ridiculed and bullied for trying to instill my passion for the game and for developing these young ladies into leaders both on and off the court. It is not right and definitely not what I stand for. There is nothing more I can do for this team at this point.”
When reached for comment, Gaylord athletic director Dale Cowper said the district won’t comment on personnel issues but is confident that the volleyball program will be in good hands moving forward.
“I have full confidence that when the girls get back to campus next week on Monday, we will have them in a position to pursue their passions and interests on and off the court.”
It’s the latest chapter in a tumultuous three months for the program.
Cornish stepped down after recently adding a newborn to her family. Walega, a 30-year teacher and coach in the Metro Detroit area, was originally meant to coach the freshman team, then was promoted to the JV head coach and, once Cornish stepped down, was asked to lead the varsity team.
GHS is 1-10 in non-tournament games in 2025. They host Inland Lakes on Monday, Sept. 29.
Contact GHT Sports Editor Dylan Jespersen at Djespersen@gaylordheraldtimes.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @dylanjespersen, and Instagram, @dylanjespersen
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: ‘Bullied’ Gaylord volleyball coach Lisa Walega resigns after only two months in charge
Reporting by Dylan Jespersen, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
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