Elkmont volleyball coach Mary Jane Hobbs stands with her team after advancing to the North Regional volleyball tournament as the runner-up in Class 3A, Area 15. Hobbs also won her 500th career game last week as the Red Devils defeated Lauderdale County on Senior Night.

It hasn’t been the greatest season for the Elkmont volleyball team. The loss of six seniors from last year’s team plus several injuries has made this season one of the tougher ones in recent years.

But a couple of events from the past week have turned this season from a disappointment to a success. First of all, head coach Mary Jane Hobbs won her 500th career game on Senior Night against Lauderdale County, and then the Red Devils defeated Clements in the semifinal of the Class 3A, Area 15 tournament to advance to the North Regional tournament in Huntsville.

Hobbs said the reaction from her team after qualifying for the regional tournament made the tough season worth it.

“When they accomplished their team goal, which was to get to regionals, that was beyond exciting,” Hobbs said. “It was a big thrill. Clements is who put us out last year. This year, we were the underdog and we put them out. That was big for my girls. We’ve had injuries and different obstacles we’ve had to face, but that was a nice feeling (Tuesday) night for sure.”

Those moments of excitement are the things that keeps Hobbs excited about coaching volleyball during her 25th season as Elkmont’s head coach. Hobbs also teaches in the school’s math department.

“It’s nice to see that smile on their face when they accomplish that big thing they’ve been working on,” Hobbs said. “When they’ve got that snap down and get that kill in a game or set the ball the way they want to set it and the hit comes after that or when they get their serve down and hit the target locations. It’s the smile on the girls’ faces that makes my day even brighter.”

Hobbs hasn’t seen a whole lot of that this year, as inexperience and injuries have taken their toll on the Red Devils, but Tuesday’s North Regional clinching win was very special for her and her team.

“You’re trying to be the cheerleader from the sidelines and keep them upbeat when they go for their goal and fall short,” Hobbs said. “It’s on those days and practices and matches when they accomplish the goals they have that you feel most gratified as a coach. When we accomplished our team goal to make it to regionals, it was extremely satisfying.”

Hobbs said she knew she was coming up on her 500th career win, but it’s not something she went out seeking attention for.

“I’m not real public, so nobody really knew about it except my good friends,” Hobbs said. “It’s one of those milestones you look forward to in a coaching career.”

But the wins aren’t as important to Hobbs as the feeling of happiness and satisfaction she gets coaching her players, especially after a long day in the classroom.

“Volleyball has long been my after-school activity,” Hobbs said. “When I walk into the gym, regardless of what kind of day I’ve had, it’s always a bright spot because the players are ready to work and ready to get better every day.”