The Herbert Hoover High School community in Elkview, West Virginia, is mourning the loss of Jamanda Rollyson Moore, a dedicated assistant coach for the Huskies softball team, who passed away unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 35. A beloved figure within the school’s athletic program and beyond, Moore’s passing has left a void in the hearts of her players, colleagues, and the entire community.
Moore’s connection to Herbert Hoover ran deep, both as a former student-athlete and later as a pivotal member of the coaching staff. As a student, Moore played softball under the guidance of Missy Smith, now the head coach of the team. In 2017, Moore returned to the program to join Smith on the coaching staff, forming a dynamic duo that would guide the Huskies to unparalleled success. Together, they achieved an impressive five state championships, a testament to their shared passion, dedication, and synergy.
Missy Smith, who worked closely with Moore for years, reflected on her late colleague’s ability to inspire and uplift the team. “When our girls were nervous about a big game, she never was,” Smith said. “She would remind them that they were made for that.” Moore’s calm and confident demeanor became a cornerstone of the team’s success, providing stability and reassurance during high-pressure moments.
The partnership between Smith and Moore was more than just a professional collaboration; it was a friendship built on mutual respect and complementary strengths. Smith described Moore as the approachable counterpart to her sometimes-intense coaching style. “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,” Smith said.
Moore’s influence extended far beyond the diamond. Her players described her as a second mother, someone who was always there to listen, support, and guide them, whether they were dealing with the challenges of a tough game or navigating personal struggles. For many of the athletes, her presence at first base was a source of encouragement, her cheers and guidance offering the reassurance they needed to perform at their best.
Her impact on the players is evident in their collective decision to dedicate the upcoming season to her memory. The team has vowed to play with the same passion and determination that Moore instilled in them, setting their sights on winning a championship in her honor. “It won’t be the same without her cheering us on from first base,” one player shared, underscoring the emotional void left by her absence.
Moore’s journey with Herbert Hoover softball was more than a role—it was a lifelong commitment to the program and its players. Her leadership, compassion, and unwavering belief in her athletes created a culture of excellence and family within the team. Her legacy will live on not only in the championships and accolades she helped achieve but also in the countless lives she touched through her kindness and dedication.
The news of Moore’s passing has reverberated throughout the Elkview community, with tributes pouring in from current and former players, parents, and community members. Many have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of the beloved coach. One former player described Moore as “the heart of the team,” while another remembered her as “a mentor, a friend, and a role model who always had a smile and a word of encouragement.”
Moore’s dedication to the Huskies softball program was mirrored in her personal life. She was a devoted wife, and her husband now mourns the loss of a partner whose love and strength were evident in all aspects of her life. The couple shared a life built on mutual respect and support, and her absence is deeply felt by those closest to her.
As the Herbert Hoover softball team prepares for the upcoming season, the memory of Moore will be a guiding force. The players have already begun planning tributes to honor her legacy, including wearing commemorative patches on their uniforms and dedicating team events to her memory. These gestures are a testament to the profound impact she had on their lives, both on and off the field.
Beyond the wins and losses, Moore’s true legacy lies in the relationships she built and the lessons she imparted. She taught her players to approach challenges with confidence, to support one another as teammates, and to find joy in the game they love. Her influence extended beyond the sport, teaching life lessons that her players will carry with them for years to come.
The upcoming season will undoubtedly be an emotional one for the Huskies. The absence of Moore’s presence at practices and games will be deeply felt, but her spirit will continue to inspire the team as they strive to honor her memory through their performance and camaraderie. For the players, coaches, and community members who knew her, Moore’s legacy is a reminder of the power of dedication, compassion, and resilience.
In the days and weeks ahead, the Herbert Hoover community will come together to celebrate Moore’s life and contributions. Memorial events are being planned, offering an opportunity for those who knew her to share stories, express their gratitude, and pay tribute to a life well-lived. These gatherings will serve as a source of comfort and connection for a grieving community, united in their love and respect for a remarkable woman.
As the softball team takes the field this season, they will carry with them the lessons and memories of a coach who believed in them wholeheartedly. Moore’s legacy will be woven into every play, every practice, and every moment of triumph, serving as a lasting reminder of her impact on the program and the people within it. While her loss is immeasurable, her influence will continue to shape the lives of those she touched, ensuring that her spirit remains a part of Herbert Hoover softball for generations to come.
In the end, Jamanda Rollyson Moore’s life was defined by her unwavering commitment to her team, her community, and her family. Her legacy is one of love, strength, and resilience—a legacy that will endure in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. As the Huskies embark on a new chapter, they do so with the knowledge that they are playing not just for themselves, but for the coach who believed in them every step of the way.
