Comer-Rabaza out as EA girls hoops coach

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ELGIN -- Diane Comer-Rabaza's run as the varsity girls basketball coach at Elgin Academy is over.

Comer-Rabaza was recently informed that former assistant Vinny Pena will be the new bench boss for the Hilltoppers, beginning next season.

Under Comer-Rabaza the Hilltoppers went 11-17 this past season, earning the program's first regional victory since she took the reins six years ago. Academy was knocked out of the postseason one game later after a 69-22 loss to second-ranked Hinckley-Big Rock.

"I was stunned," said Comer-Rabaza, who will remain as a physical education teacher at the school. "I had a great time with these girls and I wish them the best of luck.

"I didn't see it coming, but I have to accept it."

Comer-Rabaza, who has also coached softball and field hockey at the school, has been reassigned to begin an introductory sports program for all fifth-graders -- likely to start in the fall.

Prior to becoming the girls basketball coach at Elgin Academy, Comer-Rabaza, a cancer survivor, coached girls basketball at Newark for six seasons before taking a year off.

"We are making a few changes in the whole athletic department," Academy athletic director Kristy Ross said. "We've been working on a strategic plan the last few years and we are excited about the direction we are heading."

Ross said several other changes in the athletic department at the school are currently in the works.

Pena will also lead the girls volleyball program in the fall as it enters its first season of varsity competition -- he was the junior varsity coach last year.

Ross will not return as the boys soccer coach in the fall while recovering from scheduled back surgery, after a two-year stint. Her replacement will be named soon.

A new field hockey coach and assistant athletic director are also expected to be named soon and the school hopes to begin a junior varsity boys volleyball program starting in the spring.

"I'm definitely going to miss (coaching), but fortunately for the guys the new person will have much more experience than I do," Ross said.