Herbert Hoover High School Mourns the Heartbreaking Loss of Assistant Softball Coach Jamanda Rollyson Moore: Beloved Mentor, Champion Athlete, and Community Pillar, Dies at 35 Following Medical Complication
Clendenin, West Virginia, December 2024 – The tight-knit community of Herbert Hoover High School is grappling with profound grief after the untimely death of Jamanda Rollyson Moore, a cherished assistant coach of the Huskies softball team. Moore, a former student-athlete at the school, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the age of 35 due to an unexpected medical complication. Her loss has left a void in the lives of her family, friends, players, and the broader school community, who are united in mourning the passing of a mentor, friend, and role model.
The Life of Jamanda Rollyson Moore: Athlete, Coach, and Mentor
Jamanda Rollyson Moore’s connection to Herbert Hoover High School began long before she joined the coaching staff. A standout athlete during her time as a student, Moore demonstrated her exceptional skills on the softball field under the guidance of then-head coach Missy Smith. Her passion for the sport, combined with her tenacity and leadership, made her a key player and a role model for her teammates.
After her graduation, Moore continued to stay involved with the sport she loved, eventually returning to Herbert Hoover High School as an assistant coach in 2017. Her return marked the beginning of a partnership with Missy Smith, her former coach, as they worked together to lead the Huskies to new heights. Over their years of collaboration, the duo guided the team to five state championships, cementing their legacy as a powerful coaching combination.
Smith recalls Moore as the perfect counterbalance to her own coaching style. “When our girls were nervous about a big game, she never was. She would remind them that they were made for that,” Smith said. Her calm, steady presence became a cornerstone of the team’s success, helping to instill confidence and resilience in every player.
A Rock for the Team and a Second Mother to Players
For the Huskies softball team, Moore was more than just a coach; she was a guiding light and a second mother. Known for her approachability and unwavering support, Moore was a trusted confidante for her players. Her care extended far beyond the field, as she took an active interest in their personal lives, offering advice, encouragement, and a listening ear.
Missy Smith highlighted this special bond, saying, “The girls are very good at reading moods, and sometimes I’m not as approachable as they would like me to be. Jamanda was always approachable for the girls. Not just about softball, but about everything. She was really just a rock for them.”
Players have described her as someone who not only coached them through difficult games but also guided them through life’s challenges. Her ability to connect with each player on a personal level made her an irreplaceable part of the team, and her presence at first base will be deeply missed in the seasons to come.
Dedicating the Season to Coach Moore
In the wake of her passing, the Herbert Hoover Huskies softball team has pledged to honor Coach Moore’s memory by dedicating the upcoming season to her. The players have expressed their determination to channel their grief into motivation, with the ultimate goal of winning a championship in her honor. “It won’t be the same without her cheering us on from first base,” said one player. “But we know she’ll be with us in spirit, and we’ll play every game for her.”
The team plans to wear commemorative patches on their uniforms, and a special ceremony is being organized to retire her coaching jersey. These gestures symbolize the deep impact Moore had on the team and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
Remembering Jamanda Rollyson Moore: Tributes from Friends and Family
Moore’s influence extended beyond the softball field. She was a beloved figure in the Clendenin community, known for her warmth, generosity, and dedication to helping others. Her sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends, colleagues, and former players, all of whom have shared memories of her kindness, humor, and steadfast support.
“Jamanda was a person who always put others first,” said a longtime friend. “Whether it was her players, her family, or her friends, she made everyone feel valued and supported. She had a heart of gold.”
Her husband, who survives her, has expressed his gratitude for the support the family has received during this difficult time. “Jamanda was the love of my life and my greatest supporter,” he shared. “She poured her heart into everything she did, and her legacy will live on through the lives she touched.”
The Community’s Collective Grief and Celebration of Life
The Herbert Hoover High School community has come together to honor Moore’s memory through a series of tributes and events. A candlelight vigil was held at the school’s softball field, where hundreds of students, parents, and community members gathered to celebrate her life and achievements. Former players and colleagues shared stories of how Moore had shaped their lives, both on and off the field.
One player tearfully recounted, “Coach Moore always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. She pushed me to be the best I could be, and I’ll carry those lessons with me forever.”
The school has also announced plans to establish a scholarship fund in Moore’s name, aimed at supporting young women who aspire to pursue athletics and education. This initiative reflects Moore’s commitment to empowering others and her belief in the transformative power of sports.
Moving Forward Without Her
The loss of Jamanda Rollyson Moore has left a void that will be difficult to fill, but her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her. The players she mentored, the colleagues she collaborated with, and the community she uplifted will carry forward the values she embodied: perseverance, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the Huskies prepare for their upcoming season, they will do so with heavy hearts but unwavering determination to honor the memory of a coach who believed in them and helped shape them into not only better athletes but better people.
Conclusion: A Life That Inspired
At just 35 years old, Jamanda Rollyson Moore’s life was tragically cut short, but the impact she made in her years was extraordinary. Her contributions to Herbert Hoover High School, the sport of softball, and the Clendenin community have left an indelible mark, and her memory will continue to be a source of inspiration for generations to come.
As the community mourns, they also celebrate the incredible life she led—a life filled with love, leadership, and unwavering dedication to those she cared about. Coach Moore may no longer be on the field, but her spirit will forever be part of the Herbert Hoover Huskies.
