Jason Monjes, one of the area’s winningest varsity volleyball coaches, is leaving Glenelg to be the coach at Good Counsel.
Monjes, who led the Gladiators to the 2021 Class 2A state championship — their first crown since 2005 — and two other state finals, compiled a 115-36 record in 11 seasons.
“This decision didn’t come easy for me. I told all the parents [at Glenelg] prior to telling the kids because that’s how close I am with the families,” Monjes said. “I’m always going to be a supporter of the Glenelg program.”
In addition to the state title in three finals appearances, Monjes guided the Gladiators to two state semifinals, two Howard County championships and five regional crowns.
Monjes cited the state title and the development of two former standouts as the things he’ll most remember about his time at Glenelg.
“After COVID and all of that, it really just validated our program as being one of the best again just because we played in one of the best leagues in the state in Howard County,” he said. “Second would be the leadership development of Sarah Girard in 2014 and Lindsay Kelley last season. Those two were game-changers, and they led on and off the court. Both were named high school All-Americans in volleyball. To get on that list you have to do some pretty special things.”
Although he says he struggled with the decision, Monjes says the opportunity to coach the Falcons was just too good to pass up. The Montgomery County private school competes in the Washington Catholic Athletic Association.
“I think the intriguing part about that situation is they play a longer schedule and they play in one of the toughest conferences in the state of Maryland. It’s pretty prestigious with the WCAC in several sports, and volleyball is one of them. It’s like coaching at a college,” he said. “Their facilities are phenomenal. It has a college feel to it. I never wanted to have the ‘what if’ I’d have if I never took the position.”
Monjes said that he hopes he will be remembered for the relationships he helped build.
“I wanted [my players] to think that every time I stepped into that gym, I cared more about the players as people than as volleyball players. You build those relationships with kids,” he said. “As soon as they know that you care more about them than anything, that’s when they buy into your program. I think I did that here.”
Glenelg has not said who will replace Monjes.
