Jackie Fuller, who quickly turned an also-ran Whitefish High School volleyball program into a state power, has resigned as head coach of the Bulldogs.

The Whitefish School District approved Fuller's resignation at Tuesday's board meeting.

Fuller will continue to serve as the high school's activities director. She will also be the school's new assistant principle.

Fuller has held the activities director position for four years.

"They did give me the option of coaching one more year," Fuller said.

"I just didn't think it was the right thing for the volleyball program, the kids and the parents involved. A coach should never go in coaching for one year. A coach should always be looking to build for the future. That's just my philosophy."

Whitefish won a total of five state championships (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006) with Fuller on the bench. The 2007 team finished second and the 2000 squad came in third.

Whitefish posted 20-win seasons eight times during Fuller's watch. The Bulldogs went 26-1 in 2002 and were 22-2 in 2006 and 25-2 in 2005.

Whitefish finished below .500 just three times in her 18 seasons at the school. Last season the Bulldogs went 14-4 and advanced to state.

Whitefish made 13 state tournament appearances with Fuller, won eight conference championships and seven divisional titles.

Fuller was named Class A volleyball coach of the year in Montana five times, all at Whitefish, and once when Shelby won the state Class B championship in 1988 (34-6).

Fuller's overall coaching record, which spans 22 seasons, is 427-133. She went 324-102 at Whitefish and 103-31 at Shelby.

"A very difficult decision," Fuller said of resigning.

"It's difficult knowing I'm walking away from something that's a real big part of my life. I'm leaving a lot of kids who are dear to my heart, but I'm blessed that I get to stay at Whitefish. I get to work with these kids every day - in the classroom, also in their extra curricular activities.

"I honestly believe I have the best job at Whitefish High School," Fuller added.

"I get to work with a great staff, a great administration, so honestly, it's a great opportunity for me."

Fuller said the head volleyball position was posted in-district on Monday. If there are no applicants, then it will be posted outside the district.

"The high points are all the memories I have working with these kids, watching them grow, mature and be young adults," she said.

"The high point is when they come back and say ‘thank you.' That's huge."

Fuller says she been blessed to work with many talented assistant coaches over the years. One, however, has been especially loyal and dedicated - Lucy McFadden.

McFadden, who has been a member of Fuller's staff since 1994, has also resigned.