Nancy Miller's retirement letter

NORWALK — After 31 seasons, St. Paul volleyball coach John Nancy Miller announced her retirement on Dec. 14 following a career that saw her teams compile a record of 619-158 at the school. Miller informed St. Paul players of her decision just before the end of the school day on Dec. 14. Below is her full statement, which was released by the school: "Please accept this letter as formal notification that I will be stepping down as the varsity volleyball coach. This decision has been a very tough one for me, but through a lot of discussion with my family and lots of discernment on my part, I believe it is the right time to step down. I believe that the program is in a great position for continued success in the future. I am leaving a great staff that can continue with the success we have experienced since I started in 1989. My 31 years as head coach and one year as JV have been some of the best times of my life. I have always loved the game, loved the competition but above all have loved working with the athletes here at St. Paul. I still plan on teaching high school mathematics, which has always been my biggest passion. The biggest reason for my decision is my family, I now have four grandchildren and I want to spend more time with them, my husband, as well as my two sons and daughters-in-law. My mom is also older, and she and my late father have always supported me so much. When I think how much volleyball has been a huge part of my life, I played two years in junior high, four years in high school, and four years in college — and have coached 35 years since graduating college. I have coached JO volleyball in the off-season most of my coaching career also. My parents never missed a game I played, nor have they missed much that I coached. My family has always been my backbone of support and especially my husband, Tom and my two sons, Zack and Hayden. I truly feel I have been blessed with great athletes and wonderful supportive families here at St. Paul's that not only worked very hard in season but has always put in the time and effort in the off season to make our program great. The athletic department, school, and community support has been second to none. When I think back to 1989 and Denny Doughty talking me into taking the job here at St. Paul, and to think how far we have come, is amazing. I think I have grown as a person because of this opportunity throughout the years. Every season has been special to me. I am confident that the success we have experienced will continue and the program will be in great hands. Go Flyers!"