Tonganoxie’s Parker stepping down after 16 years as THS volleyball coach
Justin Nutter
Tiffany Parker established Tonganoxie High as one of the top teams in the area in her 16 seasons leading the Chieftain volleyball team.
For many of those seasons, her husband, Brandon, either was an assistant or co-head coach.
Parker through the years
Here’s a look at THS volleyball’s finish under Tiffany Parker. Former THS athletics director Brandon Parker also served as co-coach with his wife during the tenure. Those years are reflected below:
2016 Tiffany Parker 23-16 (State qualifier)
2015 Tiffany Parker 29-14 (Fourth at state)
2014 Tiffany Parker 16-21
2013 Tiffany Parker 13-24
2012 Tiffany Parker 18-18
2011 Brandon/Tiffany 29-11
2010 Brandon/Tiffany 30-11
2009 Brandon/Tiffany 25-14
2008 Brandon/Tiffany 26-15
2007 Brandon/Tiffany 31-13 (Third at state)
2006 Brandon/Tiffany 32-9
2005 Brandon/Tiffany 16-18
2004 Brandon/Tiffany 30-8
2003 Tiffany Parker 28-8
2002 Tiffany Parker 24-12
2001 Tiffany Parker 18-16
In those 16 seasons, Tiffany Parker compiled a record of 310-228 and had three state tournament appearances, four seasons of 30 victories or more and nine seasons of 25 victories or more. Oh, and compare that to just three losing seasons during that tenure.
Chris Herron had many years of success before taking a job at Benedictine College and then Washburn his final THS season coming in 1998.
Tiffany Parker essentially became Tonganoxie’s fourth coach in as many seasons, but brought stability in coaching at THS for the next 16 years.
Earlier this month, she told THS athletics director Brian Engelken she planned to step down as THS volleyball coach because she was “missing too many family events and priorities.” She and Brandon have two children: Cole, 11, and Mac, 2.
Parker had a .576 winning percentage and her teams were substate runners up her first six seasons before making it to state and taking third in 2007 with a 31-13 record.
But all those victories aren’t what Parker will remember from her years coaching at THS.
“In looking back, the wins and losses are irrelevant,” Parker said. “It’s the kids and the parents I’ve built relationships with that I’m most proud of.
“It’s those relationships that I most cherish and the fact that several still keep in contact. I’ve seen a lot of weddings and players having kids. It’s been nice to have a close volleyball family.”
Originally from Clifton, Ill., near Chicago, Parker migrated south to this area, thanks to her joining the University of Kansas volleyball team. She played for the Jayhawks from 1994-97. She met Brandon, originally from McPherson, while at KU. They both were sports management majors there. Brandon eventually became THS athletics director and has taught classes and Tiffany eventually got into teaching. She is a kindergarten teacher at TES and plans to continue teaching there.
Tiffany said her oldest son has grown up in the gym watching her teams practice and play. She couldn’t think of better role models.
“My son has grown up in the gym and around some amazing women and they have kind of set the bar for what athletes should be and how they carry themselves,” Parker said. “How they speak to each other. How they treat their families. How they are expected to respect coaches. How they are expected to respect each other.
“The teamwork and dedication they have shown to my son. I could tell him all day long, but they’ve shown him.”
Parker is excited to spend more time with her husband and children, but there will be some things she definitely misses come next fall.
“Bus rides and chanting and inside jokes and helping kids through adversity,” Parker said, rattling off things she would miss. “And being the listening ear when they need that, too, or a kick in the butt when they need that.
“All things that I’ll miss, but it’s time for me to kick my own kids’ butts.”
Per usual during the last 16 years, her last quote came with a sly grin and a chuckle.
Parker will have a final team banquet with her players for 2016 later today.