DiSilvio steps down at Elk Grove after 8 seasons

Joe DiSilvio, who has coached the Elk Grove girls volleyball team to 20 or more wins six times, is stepping down from his post after eight seasons.

DiSilvio, who also spent five seasons as the boys head coach at Elk Grove, is leaving the girls post to spend more time with his family.

He has compiled a record of 156-134 in the girls program.

DiSilvio and his wife Denise are expecting their third child in May.

"Once we found out we were going to have another child, it was very clear to me that being at home more with my family was most important," DiSilvio said. "My wife has always been very supporting of me coaching, which I think is key in this profession, and encouraged me to do what I wanted to in this situation."

DiSilvio gave it a lot of thought and struggled with his decision at times.

"But the time away from my family is difficult for me, so it became apparent that I had to step down," he added. "My passion for Elk Grove volleyball is still there, but I'll have to watch from the sidelines as a spectator."

DiSilvio's son Tyler loves attending matches and cheering for the Grenadiers.

"This is something we will still do," Joe said.

"Whenever I come home from coaching, Tyler always asks me if we won and if the girls jumped high or not. I will miss the times I had with the girls."

DiSilvio said his personality was one in which he enjoyed joking around and having fun with the girls.

"But I also stayed intense when it came to game time," he said. "I have been so blessed to work with so many amazing young women at Elk Grove.

"The Elk Grove athlete is one that gives you everything she has, continues to improve and is overall a good quality person."

The Grenadiers won a 2005 regional crown under DiSilvio in addition to several Elk Grove Invite titles and one St. Viator Invitational championship.

"I feel good about where I am leaving the program right now," said DiSilvio, whose team is 20-15 this fall.

"The girls are set to have more great seasons for at least the next couple of years.

"I can easily see freshmen and sophomores stepping into the roles of starters on the varsity team."

Four starters will return next fall, and DiSilvio believes his junior varsity players can help fill voids left by what he calls a "great senior group."

"Next year could be one of the best for Elk Grove," he said.

"I thank (director of student activities) Rick Mirro and (former girls athletic director) Marcia Krysh for the opportunity they gave me eight years ago to coach these young ladies, and I thank Elk Grove and the school for all of the support I have received over the years. I will truly miss everyone."