Dettorre selected to coaches hall of fame

It has been about a month since Chelinda Dettorre was recognized at the state volleyball tournament, a Hall of Fame induction announcement in front of family, friends, and the best teams in Washington.

“It is such an honor when you get recognized by people who do what you do every day,” Dettorre said. “The people who vote on you or nominate you are coaches or ex-coaches. For them to see what you do as something special, you’re overwhelmed by that and feeling very humble about all of that.”

The Washington State Coaches Association recognized Dettorre for her 24 seasons of varsity coaching in the state. She led Prairie to the 1998 state championship as well as four other placings at state. She then began the Heritage volleyball program and was with the Timberwolves until retiring from coaching after the 2014 season.

Overall, she has a record of 486 wins and 186 losses in Washington. She also coached three years in Oregon.

Dettorre joins her father as a hall of fame coach. Lee Cave is in the Washington coaches HOF for track and field and cross country. He died in 2010.

“I really wished he would have been there to see me,” Dettorre said. “He was an incredible support and mentor to me. Just know that he would have been so proud.”

Dettorre is still a counselor at Heritage High School. Several of her former players, including many family members, are now in the coaching ranks.

She said she has been enjoying her time going to sporting events as a fan.

“If there’s a ball bouncing, we’re probably there,” she said.