Susie Morasci knows she made the right decision to step down as head coach of Half Moon Bay High School’s volleyball team – at least for this year.
It was a difficult decision, which cost her many sleepless nights. Her health was also a source of sleepless nights.
Morasci, who coached the Cougars for two years, suffered from pancreatitis.
She will step down as head coach but will remain as an assistant alongside Chelsea Muth. Ryan Havice is the new head coach.
Havice said: “I am very happy to be able to complete this role. “I wish there were better circumstances in which it happened.”
Morasci’s health problems began in late March when she had to go to the hospital with gallstones. That problem has affected the pancreas.
She spent seven of those 15 days in the hospital ICU.
A few weeks later, she had severe abdominal pain. The pain was the result of the initial incident, which required her to be hospitalized for another 15 days. The bag of liquid increased the pain in her stomach.
After being out for a few days, she returned to the hospital for five days.
Soon after, she had severe pain in her left shoulder. One of the fluid sacs, the size of a grapefruit, pressed against her diaphragm.
That resulted in an additional 10 days in the hospital and the need for a feeding tube.
During an appointment a few weeks ago, Morasci asked his doctors to do a reality check. She wants to determine if she can continue as head coach of the Cougars. The doctors said it was fine.
But that doesn’t suit Morasci.
“If I can’t commit 100%, that’s not fair to anyone,” Morasci said. “For me personally, it’s all about doing what’s best for the show and what’s best for the players.”
Her doctors have told her she will need surgery soon, although the extent of the procedure is still unknown. And it can happen during volleyball season. She said it wouldn’t be fair to the team, Havice and Muth.
“Everybody agrees with this,” Morasci said.
Morasci made the final decision early last week and informed everyone, including the High School Athletic Director Justin Ferdinand.
“This was an unforeseen situation,” said Ferdinand. “Susie and I talked a lot about what’s best for the show. She will still be on the show.”
Morasci’s decision shocked the players.
“I know she has some health issues,” said upcoming junior Kalani Bowers. “If she needs a break, I understand. But I will miss her.”
Morasci strongly believes in Havice.
“He was passionate about the program, the school and the community,” Morasci said. “I find it easy to work with him so far. Girls like him and reciprocate him.
