Canton Local hires new head volleyball coach in wake of Board’s decision to not renew former coach’s contract

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Canton Local Schools has announced the hiring of Jodi Forshey as head volleyball coach.
Forshey has coached volleyball for over 30 years, beginning at Tusky Valley and most recently at Canton South.

The new coach is replacing Erin Cole who’s contract was not renewed after two board members cited bullying, favoritism and harassment complaints.

“I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to return to coaching volleyball for Canton South,” said Forshey. “I know most of the young ladies on the team after having them in class at Walker Elementary, and I can’t wait to start working with them again on the court.”

She took a break from coaching the last two years to watch her daughter Alivia play softball at Bowling Green.
Forshey is retiring from teaching at the end of this school year after 34 years in physical education, her last 20 with the Canton Local School District. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Malone College and her master’s at Marygrove College. While a coach at Tusky Valley, Forshey led her volleyball teams to back-to-back PAC-7 championships in both 1992 and 1993. She was named PAC-7 Coach of the Year in 1992 and District 5 Coach of the Year in 1992 and 1994.
“I am looking forward to retirement and focusing my energy on coaching volleyball,” said Forshey. “I have missed my time working with the athletes and watching my teams improve and have fun while playing a sport they love.”
Forshey’s husband Phil is a career technical business teacher at Canton South, and their oldest daughter Alivia is an assistant softball coach for the University of Toledo. Both Alivia and younger daughter Savanna played softball, basketball and volleyball for Canton South.
“We are pleased to bring Jodi back as a head volleyball coach,” said Athletic Director Matt Dennison. “She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of coaching, and her history in our community and with our students will have a significant impact on our athletes and the program as a whole.”