Heard resigns as Southeast volleyball coach

Renata Heard said her recent decision to step down as Southeast Missouri State volleyball coach was not an easy one.

But Heard said putting family above her profession was the deciding factor.

Heard's husband, Grant, recently was hired as an assistant football coach at Arkansas State University. She will make the move to Jonesboro, Ark., with him and their young child, who was born in April.

"I absolutely have mixed emotions. When you've been somewhere over 10 years, it's a tough thing to let go of," said Heard, whose last day will be Feb. 18. "But for my family, I think it's the best thing."

Heard has been Southeast's coach the past six seasons after serving as an assistant with the program for four years.

"I'm so grateful for the opportunity Southeast gave me," Heard said. "I came here right out of college and it's been pretty much my second home."

Heard, who played volleyball at the University of Mississippi, said she eventually would like to coach again but welcomes a break.

"To be honest, I'm looking forward to the next six months," she said. "I'm looking forward to being a great mom to my little guy and a great wife, and in time get back to coaching. That's the plan."

Heard compiled an 85-99 record at Southeast. In 2007, she led the Redhawks to a share of the program's first Ohio Valley Conference regular-season title since 2000.

The Redhawks struggled the past two seasons, missing the OVC tournament both years. Southeast previously had qualified for every OVC tournament since joining the league in 1991.

Southeast associate director of athletics Cindy Gannon said Heard will be missed.

"We didn't dismiss her. She didn't take another job. It's for family, personal reasons," Gannon said. "We're disappointed Renata is leaving. I think she's done some good things, but we understand her situation."

Gannon said Southeast started advertising for the position Monday and will conduct a national search for Heard's replacement. Gannon said Southeast hopes to have a new coach by the middle of March.

"We've met with the team," Gannon said. "All the recruits are still committed to coming. I think this is a great position."