The Herbert Hoover High School softball team in Elkview, West Virginia, is mourning the loss of assistant coach Jamanda Rollyson Moore, who passed away on December 1, 2024, at the age of 35 due to a medical complication. Moore was a beloved figure in the community, having been a standout player at Herbert Hoover before returning to coach alongside her former head coach, Missy Smith, in 2017.
During their tenure together, Moore and Smith led the team to five state championships, becoming a formidable coaching duo. Smith described Moore as a “rock” for the players, noting her ability to connect with the team both on and off the field. “When our girls were nervous about a big game, she never was. She would remind them that they were made for that,” Smith said .
The players, who considered Moore a second mother, are dedicating the upcoming season to her memory. They have set their sights on winning a championship in her honor, with the rallying cry: “This season is for her.” The team is also planning to establish a memorial fund to support the softball program, with donations directed to the Huskies softball team in Moore’s name .
Moore’s legacy continues to inspire the team, as they strive to carry forward the lessons of resilience, leadership, and compassion she instilled in them. Her impact on the Herbert Hoover softball program and the community will not be forgotten.
