VALPARAISO | Ten years after graduating from Valparaiso High School, Jeanette Gray is returning to her alma mater to coach the girls basketball team that she helped lead to three regional championships as a player.

The Valparaiso school board voted on Tuesday night to install Gray as the Vikings' new coach, replacing Crock McGonigle, who resigned on May 5 after going 25-19 in two seasons at Valpo.

Gray becomes the fourth coach in five years at Valparaiso, following in the footsteps of McGonigle, Renee Turpa and Greg Kirby.

"It's great to come home," Gray said. "I've learned a lot in all the places I've been, and I'm ready to bring that all back and help return the tradition here.

"I was proud when I played for this program and I want the players to be proud; that's what I want to bring back. Tradition can be a powerful thing."

Gray has been well-traveled in the 10 years since leaving Valpo, starring at Valparaiso University as a player for four years before working as an assistant coach at Ball State and then coming back to the Region.

In 2006, Gray earned her first varsity head coaching job at Clark, registering a 3-17 record before moving over to Highland. The Trojans went 17-4 in Gray's first season, and, last year, Highland finished the season 11-11.

"Valparaiso made an excellent choice with Jeanette," said Kirby, the longtime former coach at Valparaiso High and current Valparaiso University assistant. "She has the drive and ambition to continue the strong tradition of girl's basketball at Valparaiso High School."

Tuesday night's meeting was attended by many of the Valparaiso girls basketball players, who left with smiles on their faces despite promises of a 7:45 early morning team meeting today.

"If she wants us to get there at 5 (a.m.), I'll be there at 5," Valparaiso senior center Stefanie Lang said. "I'm so excited, I can't even explain. She was my choice ever since Kirby left."