Bushinski’s Move Purely Academic

Linda Bushinski was surprised by the telephone call, surprised any comment was wanted or needed after word got out that she had resigned as the North Central High School volleyball coach.

Although Greater Spokane League teams win State AAA volleyball titles with regularity - NC was the fourth straight state champion from the GSL not every coach walks away while still on top.

“Basically, my decision was made before the season started,” Bushinski said. “It was a coincidence (winning state and resigning).

“It was a decision I made and I was going to stick to it. I need to finish my master’s.”

Bushinski said she has been working on her master’s in secondary education for close to six years and needs to finish by December. Only a few close friends knew she was in her fourth and final year at NC, and even winning the first team title in a girls sport in school history wasn’t going to change her mind.

Eventually, she hopes to return to coaching and try for multiple state titles like her high school coach, Don “Buzzie” Welch of Lewis and Clark, and Linda Sheridan at Shadle Park.

“A lot of the credit (for NC’s title) should go to the other coaches in the league,” Bushinski said. “For four years they have taught me a lot, especially Buzzie and Linda.

“I’m one of the few that accomplished that in such a short period of time. I look at coaches who have been coaching a lot of years, I happened to be lucky. It’s a great feeling.”

, DataTimes