Byron Nelson’s Barker-Groth named National High School Volleyball Coach of the Year
Byron Nelson head volleyball coach Brianne Barker-Groth, who guided the Bobcats to their first UIL volleyball state championship in November, was named National High School Volleyball Coach of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association.
Barker-Groth joins mother Jan Barker as the only mother-daughter duo to win the award. Jan Barker won in 2001-02 at Amarillo.
Barker-Groth, who was an All-American at Amarillo and the University of Oklahoma, led Byron to a 50-2 record last season and the Class 6A state title. The Bobcats beat Plano West, 21-25, 25-12, 22-25, 25-15, 15-7.
“We are extremely pleased to honor Coach Barker-Groth,” said Eric Hess, Executive Director of the NHSCA in a press release. “She has established her program as not only one of the best in Texas, but in the nation. She exhibits a strong dedication to supporting and developing her high school student-athletes in the classroom and outside of it.”
Barker-Groth is the third coach from Texas to be named the NHSCA National Volleyball Coach of the Year. Wimberly’s Lee Grisham was honored for the 2003-04 school year.
Past Winners
2019-2020 – Brianne Barker-Groth, Bryon Nelson HS, Texas
2018-2019 – Jen Darty, Oviedo HS, Florida
2017-2018 – Suzanne Fitzgerald, Walton HS, Georgia
2016-2017 – Ben Maxfield, Corona del Sol HS, Arizona
2015-2016 – Jean Kesterson, Indianapolis Cathedral HS, Indiana
2014-2015 – Susan Odenbaugh, Lewis-Palmer HS, Colorado
2013-2014 – Rick Lorenz, Portland Central Catholic, Oregon
2012-2013 – Jack Magelssen – Denton Kellogg School, Michigan
2011-2012 – Tom Turco – Barnstable HS, Massachusetts
2010-2011 – Fred Rakers - Mater Dei HS, Illinois
2009-2010 – Laurie LaRusso – Darien HS, Connecticut
2008-2009 - Jan Stanley – West Henderson HS, North Carolina
2007-2008 – Peg Kopec – St. Francis HS, Illinois
2006-2007 – Steve Shondell - Burris Laboratory, Indiana
2005-2006 – Louise Crocco – Cardinal Gibbons HS, Florida
2004-2005 – Brenda LeBlanc – St. Joseph’s Academy, Louisiana
2003-2004 – Lee Grisham – Wimberley HS, Texas
2002-2003 – Arnie Meyer – Ursuline Academy, Ohio
2001-2002 – Jan Barker – Amarillo HS, Texas
2000-2001 – John Knuth – Marysville HS, Michigan
1999-2000 – Larry Trupe – Torrey Pines, California
