By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post

After seven seasons at the helm of the Hays High softball program, coach Abby Maska has resigned her coaching position. Maska coached the Indians to the 5A state tournament on three occassions. The Indians went to state in back to back seasons in 2011 and 2012, finishing fourth in ’11. During those two seasons, Maska’s team compiled a 42-6 record. The Indians also went to state in 2014 and finished the season 18-5. Over her seven seasons the Indians went 101-54.

Abby Maska said for her “it was just the right time” to step down as head coach and take on some other responsibilities within the school.

Abby Maska

A former collegiate player herself (Fort Hays State University) Maska sent a number of players on to compete in the college ranks. Among some of the them, Katelyn Schumacher is currently at the University of Kansas and most recently this season Kaylie Schoendaller signed with Dodge City Community College and Hannah Herald signed to play for FHSU.

Maska will remain in the school district as a teacher, while also being involved in other aspects of education.

Maska who currently teaches AP Government and Sociology, which are both concurrent classes through Barton County Community college, as well as World Geography and Government was also an assistant girls basketball coach and resigned that position as well. Maska is also on the NEA Negotiating Team and pending board approval will be the department chair for Social Studies.

Maska said more than wins and losses, her best memories stem from the relationships she built with the teams and how softball has helped so many girls in different ways and “feels really blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of their lives.”

Athletic Director Chris Michaelis said that a search for a replacement will begin immediately.