Vertacnik steps down as Lady Greyhounds coach
When Janine Vertacnik took over the Monessen girls basketball program in the summer of 2018, she knew it would take a lot of hard work to get the Lady Greyhounds back to where they once were.
Long gone were the days of Monessen being led by future Division I talents Gina Naccarato and Charel Allen, both of whom led the program to a WPIAL championship during their respective run with Allen also leading the team to a PIAA crown her senior year.
The prior three years before Vertacnik was hired, Monessen went a combined 3-46.
The coaching veteran was aware of what she was walking into, and she also knew that she was willing to go through a full six-year cycle with the group of seventh graders she inherited her first year, if not longer.
Now, after six seasons, five playoff appearances, and two consecutive WPIAL section championships with the current senior class, Vertacnik has announced that she is stepping down and leaving with the girls she came in with.
“I came in with these girls and it is only right that I go out with them,” she said. “We accomplished a lot together, and there isn’t a better group to go out with.
“They gave me everything with their dedication, commitment, and most importantly, their academics.”
The group of seniors Vertacnik is leaving with consists of Sidney Campbell, Hailey Johnson, MyAsia Majors, Avanti Stitch and Harmony Winn.
“I tried to teach them things they can take into life and can use at jobs, with marriage, and more,” Vertacnik said.
Campbell, who is graduating as the co-Valedictorian of her class and two-time team captain, lauded Vertacnik.
“She was far more than just a basketball coach, and she taught us that winning and losing are natural flows of life, each with its own lessons and opportunities for growth,” said Campbell, who will major in Exercise Science with a track in Physical Therapy at Ohio State University. “Her belief in me was unwavering and helped to shape me into the person I am today.
“Her dedication and passion that she has for not only the game but for all of her athletes is a testament to her character. It was more than just coaching; it was her way of imprinting a part of herself onto us.”
Deep down, Vertacnik still has the coaching bug, and she realizes that come the start of next season, it will be hard.
“I know I will probably have tears shed the first week of December, but I hope I am at peace with myself and my decision,” she said. “The bottom line is it is going to be a rebuilding situation here, and I don’t think I could be fair to the kids because I don’t think I have the same drive.”
Vertacnik has won 365 games during her head coaching career, which included stops at Yough, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg campus where she was the first head coach, at Greensburg Salem and two stints at Jeannette, where she led the Lady Jayhawks to the 2010 WPIAL Class AA championship.
The year before she took over that program, it had gone 1-18.
Although Vertacnik is stepping away this year, she isn’t completely shutting the door on coaching down the road.
“I still love the game, but it is time for a break,” she said with a laugh. “I am open to possibly coaching again, but it is time for someone else to take over the program.
“One day after the season, I woke up thinking about life and my family and how many things I have missed.”
Vertacnik mentioned Naccarato, who is an administrator in the district and is the athletic director.
“Gina is one of the best athletic directors I ever worked for, she truly cares about the athletes, and made my job a lot easier,” she said. “Anytime I had questions, she was right there for me and deserves credit.”
Naccarato spoke highly of Vertacnik, who has served as the district’s Outreach Coordinator.
“Coach J is more than just a coach, and what she did with our basketball program during her tenure speaks for itself,” said Naccarato. “She built the program back up and brought excitement to the gym for girls games.
“What people on the outside don’t see is the relationships she built with all of our students in grades K-12, and she is the perfect mentor for the students in our district.
“She will tell them if they are doing something wrong while staying positive and teaching them to make better choices, and I have never seen her give up on any of our students.
“We are very thankful she has been part of our Monessen Greyhound family.”
Vertacnik finished by sharing what she will do with her free time.
“Now I can see my nieces and nephews more,” she said, before laughing. “And I want to golf more.”