By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE — Riverside girls basketball coach Mary Ann Marino resigned Wednesday to return to Bonnabel, and the school has hired former Loyola and Reserve Christian standout Trenese Smith to take over the program.

Marino was hired to succeed Chuck Dorvin, who resigned in June after leading the Rebels to a 19-14 record and a berth in the state playoffs. Marino played for Dorvin at Ridgewood along with Riverside girls Athletic Director Kristy Hebert, who was her teammate.

But she informed Hebert of her decision to step down on Wednesday.

Hebert said that with issues in the public school system more settled, Marino sought to return to Bonnabel once re-offered her job as the school is much closer to her home.

“They offered Mary Ann her position back,” said Hebert. “The situation was unsettled for her before. But it’s a good opportunity for her.”

Riverside Athletic Director Timmy Byrd said he believed Bonnabel’s ability to offer her the ability to teach Physical Education full time — Marino’s teaching certification falls under that — was a major deciding factor.

Marino had coached most of her career at Mount Carmel, compiling a 223-109 record at the school.

She was not available for comment prior to press time.

In her stead, Riverside has tabbed Trenese Smith as its head coach.

Smith and her twin sister Trenell were hired over the weekend as assistant coaches, fresh off of standout collegiate careers at Loyola.

But Trenese said she was surprised when she learned of Marino’s decision and her own sudden promotion.

“I think I just gave them a blank stare at first,” Trenese said with a laugh. “But this is what I want to do. Coaching is the best thing for me, and what better place than to come home back where I started?”

She finished her career at Loyola as the school’s all-time leading scorer. During the twins’ tenure at the school, Loyola went 104-39, including a trip to the NAIA Elite Eight in 2008 after upsetting top seeded Point Loma Nazarene. Trenese garnered Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors for three consecutive seasons.

Trenell was injured during her senior season, but finished her career as the school’s fourth leading scorer all-time.

She was 2007-08 NAIA All-American honorable mention after averaging 18.4 points on 52-percent shooting as a junior.

As Reserve Christian, each was named All-District from her freshman to senior seasons.

Trenese said she feels the transition will be made easier by having so many familiar faces around her, such as Timmy Byrd, RA’s athletic director and boys basketball coach. Byrd oversaw the Reserve Christian athletic department when the Smith twins donned Lady Eagle jerseys.

The presence of her sister on her staff helps as well.

“It’ll be real fun. Both of us have a lot of ideas. Two heads are better than one,” Trenese said.

“Hopefully we continue to build something here.”

Trenell said that she’s also excited about the opportunity.

“It’s always great to start something like this with someone you know. Trenese and I already have that chemistry,” she said. “I’m looking forward to doing what I love and helping these girls succeed.”

Hebert said that she’s confident that her new head coach is up to the task.

“She’s a great young lady. They’ve both done some great things for Reserve Christian and Loyola. They’re very successful and I think they’re good role models for our girls growing up.”

Byrd said he expects great things from the duo.

“I think they’re future superstars,” said Byrd. “They’ve got some coaching experience in the Domino (AAU) system, and they’ve played under some very good coaches in college.

“I’ve been around the two of them since their eighth grade year, and they’re extremely high character people who are nothing but professional. They have a chance to become really good coaches.”