Rebecca Shackow, who led the P.K. Yonge girls soccer program to its only final four appearance, has stepped down after nine seasons with the Lady Blue Wave.

According to a press release, Schackow will step away from her head coaching role due to changes in her availability.

“Coach Schackow has left an indelible mark on our school and our student-athletes,” said P.K. Yonge athletic director Kelly Barrett. “Her dedication to building both strong competitors and strong individuals has elevated our program in every way.”

During her nine years as head coach, Schackow built one of the most accomplished programs in school history, compiling an extraordinary 133-27-16 record—an 85% win/tie rate. Under her leadership, the team secured eight district championships, including an impressive current streak of seven consecutive titles.

Her teams consistently advanced deep into postseason play, earning one regional quarterfinal appearance, two regional semifinal appearances, five regional finals appearances, and the program’s first-ever trip to the state final four.

Beyond the wins and accolades, Schackow’s lasting impact is rooted in the culture she cultivated. She developed a program that reflects the core values of P.K. Yonge—competitive excellence, academic achievement, and a commitment to growth—while fostering a positive, student-centered environment where athletes felt supported, challenged, and inspired.

Her emphasis on teamwork, character, and joy for the game helped create a close-knit program built on meaningful, lifelong relationships.

“We have always been competitive in our district, but Rebecca saw the potential of what the program could achieve on and off the field,” Barrett said. “She changed the culture of the program and made it a destination that families want to be a part of.  She pours her heart into each of the girls on and off the field and that has laid the groundwork for the programs success.”

Barrett said that losing a coach “as impactful as she has been is an intricate process.”

“We are grateful for the time she has given us as a head coach and the support she continues to provide as we transition to a new leader,” Barrett said.  “I value her insight and welcome her involvement in finding a new Head coach which I believe will help smooth the transition.”

P.K. Yonge will begin a search for the next leader of the girls soccer program immediately. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit resumes to Kelly Barrett at kbarrett@pky.ufl.edu.

“We have posted the position and I will be accepting resumes immediately,” Barrett said. “We would like to have a coach as soon as possible. However, we will not rush the process until we find a candidate that is the right fit.” 

Schackow was reached for comment following the announcement.

“I always want what is best for the program,” she said. “As my availability is changing, stepping down and giving another coach a chance to pour into these players is what is the best. I believe it is best for the program and each player in the long run. 

She said it was tough to say goodbye.

“The decision was hard to make and I am sad, though I have peace about it,” she said. “I love coaching. It has been a dream job for me. I am so grateful for the opportunity. Everyone who has been a part of this program has had an impact on my life. It has been a privilege and honor to coach for these past nine years. My family and I have some of our favorite memories within this program. It has been a great run.”

A great run indeed, highlighted by that final four appearance a couple of years ago.

The third time was the charm for P.K. Yonge in 2024 when Schackow’s Lady Blue Wave defeated Episcopal (Jacksonville), 2-1, in an FHSAA Class 3A-Region 1 Final to advance to its first final four in program history.

In 2025, Schackow led the Lady Blue Wave to a 16-3-1 record against a very difficult schedule and a fourth straight regional final appearance. It came to an end in double overtime against visiting Episcopal (Jacksonville), losing 4-2 on penalty kicks.

Those were big, but she will also cherish the moments coaching her three daughters – Gracie, Sally, and Marleigh.

“My daughters created a five-page list of great memories and highlights from our seasons together, and that was the short list,” Schackow exclaimed. “There are too many highlights to count. The first year I coached, we won the district championship in penalty kicks and had a perfect season.”

It kept going up from there.

“Consistently going far in regionals and inching closer and closer to the huge highlight of winning regionals and going to the final four for the first time in school history is a big one,” she added. “But what I remember most is all of the players. Each player that has come through this program has added something special to it, and there are endless stories, some funny, some sad, and all about how much fun we have had and how hard we have worked. The highlight of coaching my three daughters is hard to put into words, but something I will cherish forever.”

She has certainly raised the bar for a program that she is passionate about.

“I am so grateful to the young women from the class of 1980 who begged the school to start a girls varsity soccer team,” said Schackow, who repeated as Bosshardt Realty Small School Coach of the Year. “And to all of the coaches and players and athletic directors from that time on who kept it going. A great foundation was set from people who love the sport. I am honored to have been a part of the program reaching new heights, and I am so grateful.”

As Barrett said, Schackow “left an indelible mark.”

“To all of the people who have supported me and helped me along the way, thank you,” she said. “I had so much to learn and still do. I gave my very best effort, and I am thrilled that we had so many successes during my time here.”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include quotes from coach Rebecca Schackow and additional quotes from AD Kelly Barrett.