Fallert Steps Down, Basler Steps Into Head Coaching Role For SGHS Volleyball
Ste. Genevieve will see a new coach leading the volleyball program next school year.
Jess Fallert led the Dragons’ program for the past six seasons and led her team to four straight district titles, including one last fall. A few weeks after the season ended she announced that she would step down from the role.
“I decided to step down due to family obligations,” she said. “I just had my second daughter… and with two babies under two it was in my family’s best interest that I resign. Being gone multiple nights a week makes it very hard on my husband, family and kids. This decision was very difficult because coaching is a true passion of mine and I absolutely love it.”
In addition to the four consecutive district titles, Fallert led her team to a large-school MAAA conference title, a conference tournament championship title, and in the 2017 season she led her team to an appearance in the Class 3 state quarterfinals.
“I felt I had the program right where I wanted it in the six years I ran it and wanted to take it to the next level,” she said. “We had a good run. I will for sure miss coaching no doubt about it. It’s going to be a huge adjustment this summer and fall not going to the gym and I will definitely miss the girls. The relationships built coaching are like no other and will be missed.”
Carla Basler
Fallert’s departure created an opening, and a few weeks ago that position was filled by Carla Basler.
Basler spent multiple years as a coach and as a player, and her experience in the game led to her being named the next head coach for the Dragons.
“Honesty I didn’t really think that being a varsity head coach was anywhere in my future with Coach Fallert being so young,” Basler said. “When she came and told me after volleyball season, I had a conversation with my husband. He knows that volleyball is a huge passion of mine, and he said, ‘Let’s just go for it and see.’ I feel like I have so much knowledge to share with the girls that it feels almost selfish not to put myself out there.”
Basler played for Valle and played at Fontbonne University for three years where she filled every front row position. After her playing days she spent six seasons with Valle as a JV and freshman coach under longtime head coach Nancy Fischer, and Basler spent last season as the freshman coach for Ste. Genevieve.
See complete story in the March 25 edition of the Herald.
