The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
LOCAL LEGENDRETIRES
Longtime volleyball coach Cynthia Bobo calls it a career.
ONEIDA, N.Y » After all the practices and hard-fought wins, Oneida High girls volleyball coach Cynthia Bobo reflected on her legendary career.
Bobo grew up just outside of Rochester in the small town of Scottsville. She attended Wheatland Chili High School and participated in four sports that included volleyball, soccer, basketball and softball throughout high school. As a senior she was selected as the Senior female athlete of the year.
When asked about her values and beliefs, Bobo had a lot of heartfelt and emotional things to say.
“I believe that our experiences in life shape who we are as individuals,” she said. “I had some difficult times growing up. When I was in third grade my father was out deer hunting and was accidentally shot by another hunter. He survived
after several months in the hospital and three surgeries.
“When I was a sophomore in high school my brother was a passenger in a freak auto accident. He was in a coma for over two years before passing away in my senior year. The person I am today is one who saw the good in people because of all of the love and support we received from family, friends and even strangers. My parents were strong, positive and loving.
“The values I was brought up with as well as the challenges I experienced taught me that every day is a gift. To be thankful and grateful for every moment and for all those who have touched my life. I strive to be the person who shows love, support and compassion to others because we all have a story.
“Our story shapes who we are and is constantly evolving”
Bobo has loved sports all through out high school. But she knew volleyball was the sport for her.
“I truly enjoyed all of my opportunities but I can say that volleyball is the sport I absolutely fell in love with,” she professed. “I attended Valparaiso University in Indiana where I played four years of college volleyball. It was an amazing opportunity.
“After graduation from Valpo I coached for two years at LaSalle HS in South Bend, Indiana. I was a bit home sick so my husband and I moved back to central New York where I initially coached at ( VernonVerona) HS for four seasons.
“I eventually landed a teaching position in Oneida where I began my career at the modified level followed by one year at JV and then 12 years ago I finally got my varsity position”
Bobo recalled some incredible moments throughout her playing and coaching careers.
“Highlights of my college career were just having the chance to be on the team and play at that level,” she said.
“The traveling and level of competition at that time for me was a challenge and I loved every minute. Highlights as a coach has been the opportunity to coach all of the athletes over the past twenty five years.
“I have learned so much from them. Because of them I have definitely evolved as a coach right up to and including this year. As a modified coach I watched the excitement and desire of these young ladies to learn the game.
As a Varsity coach I see the same thing as well as their determination to work hard, set goals and do whatever it takes to achieve those goals.
“Winning my first sectional title is obviously something I had hoped I would accomplish before I retired. It is a dream come true. I am so thankful for all of the athletes who made the commitment to do their best and who followed through, supported, accepted and respected each other and myself”
Bobo said that the greatest moment of her career was the ability to coach all three of her children during their high school careers.
“I am sure it wasn’t always easy for them to have their mom as their coach but they survived it, always respected me and for that opportunity I am thankful,” she noted.
Bobo said she would like to be remembered as a coach who pushed her players because she cared so much about them and saw their potential.
She would like to be remembered as a coach who taught her players the values of truth, honesty, respect, hard work, collaboration and compassionand a coach who taught her players how to have fun while sharing her love of the game of volleyball.
With her career wrapped up as a coach, she said Oneidawill always be a part of her.
“I am going to miss coaching in Oneida,” Bobo admitted. “I am going to miss my players. My years here have been good to me. I haveworkedwith and gotten to know amazing athletes, parents, coaches and fans. Volleyball itself has been a huge part of my life, either playing or coaching, for the past 46 years.
“It will be an adjustment to not return to Oneida Volleyball next year.”
Bobo also thanked some people who helped her along her journey.
“I am so thankful for all of the coaches and other individuals who have helped me over the years to be a better coach,” Bobo said.
“Brenda Sage Frank, Marcia Laidlaw, Huyland Bryant, Jim Thomas, Bill Gardinier, Don Rigabar, Scott Fallon, Stacey Tice and so many more. Thank you to everyone who believed in me, supported me, listened to me, encouraged me and was always truthful with me.”
Bobo said her retirement will be spent on Keuka Lake and traveling around the state to spend time with our children and grandchildren.
She will officially retire after the Oneida school year.