Melody Parker waved her post as men’s volleyball Head Coach for the Vaqueros after 13 years.

During her tenure, the Vaqueros qualified for the playoffs 10 times, including five visits to the state’s Final Four.

Parker was the first woman to coach the team.

“The relationships I’ve developed will be with me for life,” Parker said. “I’ll miss being there on a day to day basis but they’ll always be a part of me and a part of my heart.”

Parker, who lives part-time in Walnut Creek, Calif. near her family, felt the time was right to move on.

Her daughter, Raechel Parker Olson, is expecting a baby girl and Parker welcomes the opportunity to become a grandmother.

“It’s sort of bittersweet because I’m going to be an omi (German for grandmother) and that’s wonderful,” said Parker. “The bitter part is leaving a job that I love tremendously.”

Parker said she had decided she would leave prior to the season beginning and some on the team already knew she would not be back.

“I don’t know that it was a huge surprise,” said Parker. “However, it is very difficult to send emails to the guys who I have been talking to for recruitment.

“(Recruits) had said ‘I want to play for you next year, I’m excited to come’, then I have to call them and tell them that I’m not going to be there, that’s been the most difficult.”

Parker said she currently had no plans for a coaching job in Walnut Creek, but left the possibility open for the future.

Regardless of her status next season, she will remain interested in how her former team performs.

“I’ll make some trips down there to visit, hopefully catch a few games and keep in contact,” said Parker. “The guys should be very talented next year if they stay together.”