Marble Falls High School coach Kaitlyn Goertz. Staff photo by Nathan Bush
Kaitlyn Goertz’s path to becoming an educator began after her father died when she was only 16 years old. Her teachers were a vital source of solace and support.
“It was the constant having someone there for you — even when you want to give up — that inspired me to do that for someone else,” the Marble Falls High School volleyball coach said. “That’s definitely what pushed me to be a teacher, and then, of course, sports were such a big part of my life that staying in the coaching world was huge.”
Goertz’s impact on others is evident. She was voted Favorite Coach in the 2024 Locals Love Us contest by The Picayune Magazine readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners.
“It’s definitely a surprise,” she said. “I’m deeply appreciative. In today’s world, it’s always nice to know that what you’re doing goes beyond the court or the classroom.”
Goertz began her education career in the Fredericksburg Independent School District. Six years ago, she started teaching in the Marble Falls school district and inherited the Lady Mustangs volleyball program in 2020 after serving as the top assistant under former head coach Tanya Powers.
“Our program has historically struggled, but one thing that I love about these girls is they continue to fight,” she said. “Moving into these next years, the amount of energy and charisma this group brings is huge to me.”
Goertz is also a geometry teacher and an assistant coach for the girls’ basketball and track-and-field teams.
“As a coach and teacher, you wear so many hats it’s impossible to name them all,” she laughed.
Goertz’s workload can sometimes be overwhelming.
“It’s definitely a struggle,” she said. “It’s definitely something that I’m always worried about. I want to make sure I’m giving my best to both sides of it because I don’t want to let my girls down on the court or let my students down in the classroom. It’s definitely something that you’re continuously working at and conscientious of.”
Her love for the job motivates her to give 100 percent to each student.
“Honestly, my biggest thing is that I’m here for the kids,” she said. “Being able to be a role model for them is huge.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: At the time of this story’s print publication, Kaitlyn Goertz served as the Marble Falls High School head volleyball coach. She is now an assistant track-and-field coach as well as on the girls’ basketball coaching staff.
