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Girls volleyball: Pancratz in the playoffs - one last time

Jeanette Pancratz entered the varsity girls volleyball coaching game 36 years ago at Resurrection High School.

"I didn't get into coaching for money, for status or because everyone else was doing it," she said. "I chose coaching to teach a sport I am passionate about and to pass on all that being an athlete encompasses."

And not too many have done it better than Pancratz.

And she also did it with a few wins - 823 to be exact (ranking among the top 15 coaches IHSA history).

Pancratz begins her final state tournament as a head coach on Monday when her No. 13-seeded Saxons face No. 19 Niles North at 5:30 p.m. in the Maine West Class 4A regional play-in match.

She is retiring after the school year and was honored by Schaumburg officials at her last home match on Friday night when the Saxons defeated Streamwood in two sets.

"I love teaching and learning," Pancratz said. "Coaching is a natural extension of teaching. In coaching, I am able to work with a group of young people with similar motivation, goals and passion and assist them in achieving success."

Pancratz' success story began years ago.

She attended Madonna High School (now closed) in Chicago during an exciting era for girls and women's sports as they made their debut at the high school level.

Pancratz played volleyball, basketball, bowling, softball (no gloves) and track and field while also dabbling in gymnastics and even competing in an ice skating meet.

After studying at DePaul University where she was a cheerleader, Pancratz began coaching in an era when not many women worked full time.

"Especially after they started a family," she said. "I remember the shocked expression on my first principal's face when I informed her I would like to return (after delivering her first child) the following school year to teach and coach."

In fact, Jeanette's team played in its last regular-season volleyball match on a Thursday. She gave birth to her son Mark on Friday and was back to work on the following Tuesday.

"It was a different time," said Pancratz, who has three sons and daughter Drewann, the head girls volleyball coach at Conant.

While winning teams became a habit for Pancratz, keeping track of wins never was.

"Winning records are relative," she said. "There are so many variables that comprise a coach's record. It could have been higher if you chose to play in lesser competitive tournaments. And I have been grateful to coach athletes who had high work ethics.

"It is definitely the combination of the efforts and support of everyone from the athletes, managers, assistant coaches, school staff, administration, parents, media, school community."

Pancratz always believed success can only happen with the backbone of support and belief in our program.

She's had plenty of support.

As far as inspirational figures, the first and foremost is her husband, Andy, a former Hersey and DePaul basketball standout.

"He has coached high school, college, girls, boys, younger kids and our own kids," Jeanette said. "His knowledge, creativity and ability to get the best out of every player at all levels has been uncanny. He has made me better."

Jeanette also credits all the coaches she had in high school and college.

"They made my experience one to remember," she said. "I couldn't tell you the score of any match but the feelings and experiences impacted me."

Pancratz always loved learning more.

"I am always watching, reading, and collaborating with coaches," she said. "From all of my amazing assistant coaches to other sports' coaches. I am always trying to better myself."

While the game of volleyball changed tremendously, the sport always remained exciting for Pancratz.

"Each year the players and strengths of our team change" she said. "I am always working to find ways to help each individual succeed and hence, our team be the best we can be."

There have been many memorable moments in her career, notably guiding two girls teams (1992 and 1994) and one boys team (1998) to the IHSA state finals.

"But memories exist in all years - an exceptional win or an individual achievement," she said. "I am blessed to have so many. I would be amiss to single out any one event.

Of course, the most special had to be coaching her daughter Drewann, a setter who was the Daily Herald's all-area honorary captain in 2007 before heading on to star at Carthage College in Kenosha.

In addition to Drewann, Jeanette coached more than 100 players who went on to play in college.

She enjoys seeing past players who have gone on to make coaching a profession.

"I like witnessing past players as happy, productive citizens making a difference," said Jeanette, who is retiring from teaching physical education.

Pancratz's 823-459 career record includes her years as the head coach at Resurrection from 1980 to 1987, and at Schaumburg from 1989 to present.

She has won five MSL West crowns (three South and two West) and four overall MSL championships.

Pancratz has captured 16 regionals (three at Resurrection), five sectionals (two at Resurrection) and two superectionals.

She also won a pair of districts championships at Resurrection in 1980 and 1981.

"I am forever grateful to all the people and relationships that I have been privileged to meet in my journey," she said. "I truly believe a part of each person is carried with me and I am better for it. Through all the challenges and celebrations, they've made a difference in my life."

She is even more thankful to her family, which also includes sons Mark, Zach and Jake, who starred in the Schaumburg boys basketball program.

"Their sacrifices were immeasurable," she said. "I was a nontraditional mom and wife in a very traditional time. I look forward to being a traditional grandma. The love, understanding and support of Andy, Mark, Zach, Jake and Drewann have always been my driving force. They are my real heroes. And now I am going home to them."

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