Pine Creek coach Ashlynn Smith couldn’t wait to get back to state this season.She just kept hoping her baby could.

Smith was due to give birth to her second daughter Nov. 14 — the day after the state tournament. The actual arrival on Nov. 4 worked much better.

Two days later, Smith was back on the bench to help the Eagles capture a regional title.

“It was a huge stress,” Smith said about the timing of her pregnancy. “But it all worked out. … She’s been a great baby, allowed me to coach at state.”

The season ended in a three-set loss to Chaparral in the 5A championship match, but the best season in Pine Creek’s history included the first state semifinal and final appearances and the defense of its 5A Metro League title with a five-setter at Doherty.

“I couldn’t be happier with the support I had from my other coaches and my AD and the players with being pregnant all season and how understanding they were,” said Smith, in her second year at Pine Creek.

 “And just that we were able to accomplish so much this year. It’s definitely going to be something I never forget, both personally and volleyball.”

Pine Creek’s Ashlynn Smith is The Gazette’s 5A-4A Volleyball Coach of the Year. Photo by SUBMITTED PHOTO