By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

HOOVER — After seven seasons at the helm of the Spain Park volleyball program, head coach Paula Dill has stepped down from her post, per a press release issued by the school Dec. 5.

Dill said in an interview that she felt a change was needed for the program.

“I just told Patrick (McDonald, the Spain Park athletic director) my passion has not altered,” she said. “I know God placed on my heart (to step down). My main concern is that the program needs a new face.”

Kellogg wrote in the release that the program understood and supported Dill’s decision, which will include remaining in a teacher role at Spain Park.

“Coach Dill has had seven years of great service to the student-athletes in our volleyball program,” he wrote. “Over the course of her tenure, Coach Dill has been a great leader, has demonstrated character and has always coached her team with class and sportsmanship; she will continue her teaching job as a physical education instructor. We wish her the best of luck in the future.”

Dill said she had no intentions of leaving Spain Park.

“I enjoy who I teach with and what I teach,” she said.

Dill went on to say she will miss working with the players.

“Most of the memories I have (aren’t) wins or losses,” she said. “It was watching (the players) overcome on the court. My girls are so well-mannered, (and) our parents put so much in.”