ANN VOGEL RETIRES AFTER 32 YEARS OF INSPIRING EXCELLENCE AND TRADITION IN WEST LIBERTY-SALEM GIRLS' SPORTS

Ann Vogel, the admired former head coach of girls' cross country and track and field, has retired after a remarkable 32-year career dedicated to inspiring and nurturing young athletes. Known for her unwavering commitment, Vogel leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, mentorship, and advocacy for young women in sports.
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Reflecting on her three decades of coaching, Vogel recalled how their team stood out for their sportsmanship: "Our girls were so well-liked by their competitors. Accepting the competition as people who can make them better and challenge them was key. Meet officials would come to me and tell me that our athletes were the most polite and friendly kids, and that means a lot. It’s the standard our team has carried on for 30 years."

​Vogel attributed her coaching approach to her lifelong commitment to learning and the influence of her past coaches, particularly her brother and father. "I am a big believer in being a lifelong learner. I’ve always watched coaches and how they approach things," Vogel shared. "My dad let me believe that I could do anything the boys were doing, and he truly meant it. He talked a lot about mindset and taught me that I can learn from failure and instilled values that I carry with me today."

Throughout her coaching career, Vogel emphasized the importance of recognizing the individual motivations of her athletes. "I learned early on as a coach that even though you are coaching a team, you have to coach the individual," Vogel explained. "Some athletes might buy into something right away while others don’t, and you have to figure out what motivates them."

​Vogel's dedication extended beyond athletic development as she focused on fostering a sense of community and mentorship within her teams. "Building relationships is the foundation of what I was doing," Vogel emphasized. "To help the team bond, we would do big sis/little sis so that the older kids were mentors to the younger ones. Once the team would bond, they would become like family."

Former athletes and community members have shared heartfelt tributes to Vogel, highlighting her profound impact. Taylor Clinger, a former athlete under Vogel’s guidance for five years, expressed gratitude for the invaluable lessons she received. "I was blessed to have Ann as a coach for five years. She taught me how to be a great runner, prevent injury, fuel my body, and push myself outside of my comfort zone," Clinger shared. "More importantly, she taught me how to be kind, advocate for what’s right, be a leader, and set high expectations and goals for myself—and reach them. Ann is more than just an amazingly successful coach; she’s an incredible person who gives everything to everyone around her. She’s the greatest."

Bobbi McKee, a former athlete from Triad, recounted a touching display of compassion and camaraderie facilitated by Vogel during a difficult time. "Ann was not my coach, but she was amazing. Ann has a genuine love for the sport," McKee said. "I had a few seasons that I made it to regionals as an individual. She let me practice with her team during that time, even though I was competition. When my brother passed away in the middle of the cross-country season, she brought her entire girls' team to the viewing to support me. That display of teamwork within the community is something I will never forget."

Under Ann Vogel's leadership, the accomplishments of the Tigers Track and Field team serve as a testament to her profound influence. Five years ago, the Tigers secured their first state title in any girls' sport in school history. 

​In the recent past season, the WLS Girls 4x100 track team, featuring Tori Douthwaite, Delaney Jones, Gwen McCullough, and Chloe Griffith, also clinched a state title. Vogel's impact extends further through the success of her former athletes, as 15 of them are currently coaching sports themselves.

Looking ahead, Vogel expressed her desire to continue advocating for young women in sports. "In retirement, I will always want to be an advocate for young women. That’s really important to me," Vogel affirmed. "I am still a member of the OATCCC (Ohio Association of Track and Cross-Country Coaches) and the Ohio Women in Coaching Association, so I will still be active in those roles. I will still be helping at meets, so I will still be part of it."
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As she embarks on this new chapter, Vogel offered advice to aspiring coaches, emphasizing the significance of building a supportive and caring environment for athletes.

​"Advice to coaches would be to buy into the kids and let them know you care. That means way more to them than anything else – they want to know you care," Vogel encouraged. "Buy into the community, trust yourself, and follow your values."

As Ann Vogel retires, her lasting impact on athletics and dedication to empowering young women will resonate for years to come.