Rob Mahoney got a letter in the mail at the end of the 2011-2012 school year and the 39-year-old Billerica resident was shocked with what was inside.

Mahoney was named the MIAAs girls volleyball Coach of the Year for his work with the girls team at Notre Dame Academy in Tyngsboro in the fall and with the boys team at Lowell Catholic in the spring.

According to the official letter sent my MIAA Assistant Director Dick Baker, the selection of Mahoney was based on excellence of character, impact upon students and community and coaching quality.

Mahoney was also automatically made a nominee for the National Coach of the Year award

For Mahoney, it was a defining moment in a career that has spanned 14 years, officially anyway. Mahoneys actual coaching career started when he was 12 and decided to coach an under-8 soccer squad with a friend.

Yes, its safe to say, Mahoney and coaching are in a long-term relationship.

I love coaching, said Mahoney, a 1992 graduate of Billerica High. I love everything about it. If my wife gives me permission, Im usually at a volleyball game every single night. Im a very lucky person.

But it wasnt luck that earned Mahoney his coaching award.

In 14 years with Notre Dame, Mahoney has led the Lancers to the state playoffs every year. Last year in Lowell Catholics first-ever season as a varsity program, Mahoney brought that team to the postseason too.

The year before Mahoney took over at Notre Dame, the team finished 1-19.

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Mahoney still coaching, and loving it