BARNESVILLE — As Nikki McEndree steps away from the coaching portion of her life, it’s caused her to reflect on, not just the wins and losses, but the people who’ve shared the ups and downs with her.

McEndree has announced her decision to step down as head volleyball coach at Barnesville High School following 13 seasons and 211 victories. She went out on a high note this past fall as the Shamrocks finished 19-4 and reached the district semifinals before falling to Garaway in a memorable five-set thriller at Cambridge High School. It was one of three teams McEndree led to the district round.

“I knew four years ago this would be my last year,” said McEndree, who endured just one losing campaign during her tenure. “I wanted to coach my daughter (Mya) and her classmates through their senior year.

“I’ve had a great experience the last 14 years and have been fortunate to have success through many seasons.”

McEndree’s resume is chock full of accomplishments. They include — six OVAC tournament appearances, including two runner-up showings; three District 12 Coach of the Year honors; and four plaudits as Coach of the Year from The Times Leader.

“I feel I always maintained a competitive schedule to challenge my team each year,” McEndree said.

“It didn’t matter what our talent level was each season. I always had high expectations for all my teams. I always expected them to be fundamentally sound, hard-working, team players.

“I have been very fortunate to have many talented and dedicated young ladies to work with. Only the former players and coaches understand the time and commitment that has went into the Shamrock volleyball program.”

McEndree, who also coached girls’ basketball at Barnesville for 13 years, learned many of the lessons she brought to the bench from another Barnesville legend — the late Agnes Timmons.

Timmons, McEndree’s former prep mentor and, later, neighbor, instilled many values, the most important was do what’s best for your team.

“She always had the right words to put things in perspective,” McEndree said. “She always told me you can’t please everyone, so do what’s best for the team.

“She also said it’s better to be respected than liked, and if you’re luck you may get both out of your players.”

McEndree also played for another well-respected coach — Donna Newberry at Muskingum.

“She told many years ago that when I decide I’m done coaching to not the negative downgrading people define your career,” McEndree recalled.

“Think of all the positive players and parents you had the pleasure of working with. I did just that. There are countless good people that definitely outweighed any negatives.”

Among them were many parents and her assistants, including the current crop that included Karen Clouse, Melissa Dodd and Jennifer Castello. And, then, there’s her family, which also includes her husband, Buster, and daughter, Maci.

“It’s not easy being a coach, but it’s more difficult being the family member of a coach, because, win or lose, there’s always criticism from somebody.”

When it comes down to it, McEndree will miss the kids.

“The thing I will miss most about coaching is working with the players and watching them get better each season,” she said.

“I want to wish the returning players best of luck next season.”