BONNERS FERRY — Retiring coach Janis Tucker never expected to spend 30 years coaching volleyball at Bonners Ferry.

In fact if it hadn’t been for a fateful car accident that kept her here “long enough for me to change your plans,” said husband Jim, Tucker might have left Bonners Ferry before she ever started.

Thankful former players, coaches, parents and teachers all gathered to express their gratitude to Tucker at a retirement party March 12. “She helped me become the coach I am today,” said former player and coaching assistant Desi Staples. “She is fun and inspiring. Everyone knows Janis’ smile.”

Tucker will continue to teach health, speech and P.E. at Bonners Ferry High School. She says she wants to spend time with her family and focus her energy on her teaching. “I’ll have less distraction in the fall,” she says, “I will still be a coach in the classroom.”

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