Kelly Clayborne’s heart is always with the Lady Pioneer volleyball team. Her body, though, had other plans.

Due to an upcoming operation which will keep her off her feet for months, Clayborne has resigned as the Warren County High School volleyball coach. It wasn’t easy for Clayborne to step down, but she felt it was only right as she wouldn’t be able to be with the team through the summer months.

“I have the choice of living in pain or getting my ankle fixed,” said Clayborne. “I struggled all last season with the pain and tried everything, but nothing has helped. The doctor said the only thing that will fix it is surgery.

“My recovery will go into the summer months. I don’t feel like it would be fair to the girls or the program if I continued to coach. It was a very hard decision to make, but I think it’s the best decision for me and the program.”

Clayborne said her surgery is set for late March.

It’s the second-straight offseason where Warren County will be looking for a new coach. Katie Rogers resigned after the 2018 season, ending a four-year tenure. Rogers left the team due to the impending birth of her second child.

Clayborne took over last year after going 58-11 as the WCMS coach for three years. She was an assistant on the team for 10 years before earning the promotion.

In her lone season at WCHS, Clayborne compiled a 15-17 record.

Todd Willmore will be in charge of the search again, but it’s one he embarks on knowing he’d rather have Clayborne still around.

“We are sorry to see Kelly go, but completely understand. She did an excellent job with our volleyball program and the girls thoroughly enjoyed her this year,” said Willmore. “Kelly will be tough to replace. We wish her the best and know she will still be a part of our volleyball program in spirit.”

The job was posted early last week. There is currently no timetable for a new hire. Traditionally, the WCHS volleyball roster is selected on the final day of the school year in May.