May 29, 2024 4 min read

By Bill Hughes

For the Observer-Reporter

newsroom@observer-reporter.com

When Janine Vertacnik took over as coach of the Monessen girls basketball program in the summer of 2018, she knew it would take a lot of hard work to get the Greyhounds back to where they once were.

Long gone were the days of Monessen being led by future Division I talents Gina Naccarato and Charel Allen, both of whom led the program to a WPIAL championship during their respective run. Allen also led Monessen to a PIAA championship her senior year.

The three years before Vertacnik was hired, Monessen went a combined 3-46.

The coaching veteran was aware of what she was walking into, and she also knew that she was willing to go through at least a full six-year cycle with the group of seventh graders she inherited her first year.

Now, after six seasons, five playoff appearances and two consecutive section championships, Vertacnik has announced that she is resigning.

“I came in with these girls and it is only right that I go out with them,” she said. “We accomplished a lot together, and there isn’t a better group to go out with. They gave me everything with their dedication, commitment, and most importantly, their academics.”

The group of seniors Vertacnik is leaving with consists of Sidney Campbell, Hailey Johnson, MyAsia Majors, Avanti Stitch, and Harmony Winn.

“I tried to teach them things they can take into life and can use at jobs, with marriage and more,” Vertacnik said.

Campbell is graduating as the co-Valedictorian of her class. The two-time captain spoke about Vertacnik’s impact.

“She was far more than just a basketball coach, and she taught us that winning and losing are natural flows of life, each with its own lessons and opportunities for growth,” said Campbell, who will major in Exercise Science with a track in Physical Therapy at Ohio State. “Her belief in me was unwavering and helped to shape me into the person I am today.

“Her dedication and passion that she has for not only the game but for all of her athletes is a testament to her character. It was more than just coaching. it was her way of imprinting a part of herself onto us.”

Vertacnik still has the coaching bug, and she knows that the start of next season will be a difficult time.

“I know I will probably have tears shed the first week of December, but I hope I am at peace with myself and my decision,” she said. “The bottom line is it is going to be a rebuilding situation here, and I don’t think I could be fair to the kids because I don’t think I have the same drive (as when younger).”

Vertacnik won 365 games during her career, which included stops at Yough, Greensburg Salem, two stints at Jeannette, where she led the Jayhawks to the 2010 WPIAL Class 2A championship, and Pitt-Greensburg, where she was the program’s first head coach.

Vertacnik isn’t completely shutting the door on coaching in the future.

“I still love the game, but it is time for a break,” she said. “I am open to possibly coaching again, but it is time for someone else to take over the program.

“One day after the season, I woke up thinking about life and my family and how many things I have missed.”

Naccarato, who is Monessen’s athletic director, spoke highly of Vertacnik, who has served as the district’s Outreach Coordinator.

“Coach J is more than just a coach, and what she did with our basketball program during her tenure speaks for itself,” said Naccarato. “She built the program back up and brought excitement to the gym for girls games.

“What people on the outside don’t see is the relationships she built with all of our students in grades K-12, and she is the perfect mentor for the students in our district. She will tell them if they are doing something wrong while staying positive and teaching them to make better choices. I have never seen her give up on any of our students.”

Vertacnik has plans for her coach-free days.

“Now I can see my nieces and nephews more,” she said. “And I want to golf more.”